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High School Problem-Solving: 6 Activities That Work

• March 29, 2023

Problem-Solving Activities for High School Students

Table of contents:.

Problem-solving activities are a great way to engage high school students in critical thinking. These activities can range from simple puzzles and games to complex group projects and challenges. They help students develop important skills such as communication, creativity, and decision-making. By participating in problem-solving activities, high school students can learn to approach problems in a structured and systematic way and to work effectively with others to find solutions.

The Importance of Problem-Solving Activities for High School Students

Problem-solving is a crucial skill for high school students to develop because it prepares them for the challenges they will face in their personal and professional lives. By engaging kids in problem-solving activities as early as possible, they learn to approach problems in a structured and systematic way and to work effectively with others to find solutions.

The benefits of problem-solving activities for high school students are numerous. These activities help students develop critical thinking skills , which are essential for making informed decisions and solving complex problems. Group problem-solving activities also promote engagement and collaboration, as students work together to find solutions to challenges. By participating in problem-solving activities, high school students can improve their decision-making abilities and become more confident and independent thinkers.

Ideas for Problem-Solving Activities

Here is a list of different types of problem-solving activities that teachers and schools can use to promote problem-solving, collaboration, creative and critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills among students:

• Escape room puzzle challenges: These challenges involve students working together to solve a series of puzzles in order to “escape” from a simulated scenario.
• Brainstorming sessions: In these sessions, students work together to generate ideas and solutions to a given problem.
• Debates: Debates involve students arguing for or against a given topic. This activity promotes communication and decision-making.
• Role-play simulations: In these simulations, students take on different roles and work together to solve a simulated problem.
• Creative problem-solving tasks: These tasks involve students using their creativity to find solutions to problems.
• Collaborative project-based learning: In this approach, students work together on a project that involves solving a complex problem.

Another way to develop problem-solving skills is by using technology . However, it remains important to be aware of the negative influences of technology on child development. Therefore, it’s crucial to set some rules for technology at home . You can also use a parental control app like Safes to protect your child from online harm. With features like app monitoring and web filter, you can monitor their app and internet usage. You can download Safes for iOS , Android , Windows , and MacOS , and you can start with a free trial to explore its features.

Tips for Teachers and Schools

Here are some tips on how teachers and schools can use problem-solving activities effectively to promote high school students’ problem-solving skills:

• Encourage teamwork: Problem-solving activities are most effective when students work together to find solutions. Teachers can encourage collaboration by assigning students to work in groups and by providing opportunities for students to share their ideas and solutions with one another.
• Offer feedback and encouragement: Teachers can help students develop their problem-solving skills by providing feedback on their performance and by offering encouragement and support. This can help students feel more confident in their abilities and more motivated to continue improving.
• Use real-world problems and scenarios: Problem-solving activities are most engaging when they involve real-world problems and scenarios that students can relate to. Teachers can incorporate current events, local issues, or other relevant topics into their problem-solving activities to make them more meaningful and engaging for students.
• Incorporate a variety of activities to keep students engaged: To keep students engaged and motivated, teachers can incorporate a variety of different problem-solving activities into their lesson plans. This can include puzzles, games, debates, simulations, case studies, and more.

By following these tips, teachers and schools can use problem-solving activities effectively to promote high school students’ problem-solving skills.

In summary, problem-solving skills are crucial for high school students to develop as they prepare for academic and professional success. By engaging in problem-solving activities students can improve their critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Teachers and schools can effectively promote problem-solving skills among their students by incorporating these activities into their curriculum. By doing so, they can help prepare their students for the challenges they will face in college and in the workforce.

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13 Effective Brain Breaks for High School Students to Help them Refresh and Recharge

From my personal experience, high school years were challenging, and I was eager to leave them behind. This motivated me not to let my students feel the same way. I wanted them to enjoy their time at school by incorporating periods for relaxation and fun, which inspired me to write this article. The aim is for other teachers to read this and decide to include these breaks in their curriculum, offering students globally a more enjoyable experience than ours. By adding this small gesture to our lesson plans, I believe we can significantly enhance the mental health and well-being of future generations.

Brain breaks in our high school library pic.twitter.com/uDvRWJ7pmf — Krista Berger (@NBHSLibrarian) December 18, 2023

Below, I will tell you about 13 different brain break activities that I recommend starting with…

1. Activity Pages

2. would you rather game, 3. quiet ball activity.

Materials needed: A soft ball (like a foam or beach ball) that is easy to catch and throw.

The Quiet Ball Activity requires only a soft ball, such as a foam or beach ball, that is easy to catch and throw, making it a low-difficulty but engaging activity. The essence of this game lies in its combination of physical activity and the challenge of maintaining silence. Students are tasked with tossing the ball to each other quietly, with the primary objective of keeping the noise level to a minimum. Talking, throwing the ball too hard, or dropping it results in elimination from the game, and the last person standing is declared the winner.

4. The Atom Game

5. order game, 6. four corners, 7. back writing activity, 8. card tricks, 9. dance and music party, 10. rhythm activity, 11. figure eight game, 12. relay race, 13. short full-body workout, what is a brain break, benefits of high school brain breaks.

Even high school students enjoy @GoNoodle for brain breaks! ? @fortheluvoflang @YOUR_WCHS pic.twitter.com/YAvbXFyAtf — Christa Rinehold (@crinehold) September 16, 2019

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22 Cognitive Activities For High Schoolers

• High School

Introduction:

Cognitive activities are essential for high school students to develop their mental capabilities and enhance their overall learning experience. These activities help students improve their memory, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. In this article, we present 22 cognitive activities that high school teachers can integrate into their lesson plans and activities to boost their students’ cognitive development.

1. Sudoku puzzles: Sudoku is a great way for students to improve their logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Chess: Playing chess helps students improve their strategic thinking, planning, and concentration.

3. Memory games: Memory games like matching cards or sequences help enhance short-term memory and attention skills.

4. Crossword puzzles: Crossword puzzles help improve vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking skills.

5. Debate club: Encouraging students to participate in debates helps develop their reasoning, persuasion, and public speaking skills.

6. Brain teasers: Riddles and brain teasers encourage critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

7. Essay writing contests: Writing essays on a variety of topics helps students practice organizing thoughts, structuring arguments, and using language effectively.

8. Group discussions: Engaging in group discussions encourages active listening, collaboration, decision-making, and communication skills.

9. Logic puzzles: Students can sharpen their reasoning skills with logic puzzles like grid-type problems or nonograms.

10. Math problems: Challenge students with math problems that require them to apply various concepts they have learned in creative ways.

11. Creative writing exercises: Inspire creativity in storytelling by having students create short stories or poetry based on prompts or themes.

12. Reading circles: Reading literature aloud in groups promotes reading comprehension and encourages thoughtful analysis of the material.

13. Science experiments: Hands-on science activities can teach high schoolers problem-solving, observation, and hypothesis-testing skills.

14. Historical analysis projects: Assign research projects where students analyze historical events and develop their own theories based on evidence.

15. Visual puzzles: Optical illusions and other visual puzzles help students improve spatial reasoning skills.

16. Mapping exercises: Mapping exercises in geography lessons can aid in developing spatial awareness, planning, and mental visualization skills.

17. Coding and programming: Introducing computer programming concepts encourages logical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving abilities.

18. Portfolio building: Have students create a portfolio that showcases their progress and achievements over time to help them reflect on their learning journey.

19. Goal setting: Encourage students to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to develop goal-setting skills.

20. Meditation and mindfulness activities: Teach techniques like meditation to promote focus, self-awareness, and stress management.

21. Foreign language classes: Learning a new language improves memory, listening skills, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving abilities.

22. Current events discussions: Reviewing current events helps stimulate critical thinking while generating a sense of global awareness.

Conclusion:

By incorporating these cognitive activities into the learning experience, high school students can become better equipped for academic success and personal growth. These skills will continue to serve them well beyond the classroom as they navigate life’s challenges and successes.

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15 Problem solving activities for students

In this guide

• 1. The detective game
• 2. Help ‘em out
• 3. What if…
• 4. Move IT!
• 5. The build
• 6. Just survive
• 7. Good old scavenger hunt maybe with a twist
• 9. Tower of terror
• 10. Community problem solving
• 11. Community problem solving documentary
• 12. Digital storytelling
• 13. Minefield/Lead the blind
• 14. Design sprints
• 15. Debates

Problem solving entails identifying, analyzing, and addressing challenges or obstacles using critical thinking, creativity, analytical skills, and reasoning. The World Economic Forum consistently ranks critical thinking and problem solving as top skills for the future in their list of essential abilities. 

Why is problem solving an important skill for students?

In a 2020 report, the World Economic Forum emphasized the growing significance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the upcoming years ( Whiting, 2020 ). These skills are vital not only for academic success but also for navigating challenges beyond the classroom. Let’s explore four key benefits of problem-solving skills for students.

• Student centered learning: Problem solving encourages student engagement by encouraging hands-on exploration and discovery. Students fully engage with a topic, they are not expected to simply absorb and memorize information. It recognizes and honors students’ individual learning pace, as well as their unique strengths, interests, and motivations. 
• Enhanced critical thinking: By tackling problems from diverse perspectives and evaluating information from various sources and viewing the problem from various angles, students are able to develop improved critical thinking skills.  Problem solving also cultivates systems thinking, enabling students to grasp the interconnectedness of systems, complex issues, and devise holistic solutions. 
• Confidence building: Through regular practice, students gain confidence in their problem solving skills, equipping them to address challenges across a wide variety of subject areas and real-life scenarios. “The goal in teaching problem-solving is for it to become second nature, and for students to routinely express their curiosity, explore innovative solutions, and analyze the world around them to draw their own conclusions.” (Marshall, 2022)
• Teamwork and communication: Engaging in problem solving activities nurtures essential teamwork skills such as communication and collaboration. Students learn to actively listen, respect diverse perspectives, and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. Moreover, they develop goal setting abilities, organization, and build a sense of personal accountability within a team environment. 

Problem solving activities for elementary

Problem solving activities can range from simple to complex and short to long.

1) The detective game

• Gather 5-10 clues about a person, place, historical event, pop culture phenomenon, animal, etc. these can be physical clues or images of clues. 
• Place the clues to a bag and have students draw one clue at a time. 
• Encourage students to work in small groups to solve the mystery. 
• Require a minimum number of clues to be drawn (2-3) before attempting their first guess. 

2) Help ‘em out

• Engage students in brainstorming sessions while reading about historical events or fictional characters.
• Encourage small group discussion and decision making. 
• Students can work at desks or on whiteboards. 
• Challenge the students to identify the problems faced and devise creative solutions to alter the outcomes. 

3) What if…

• Create a list of moral dilemmas for students to ponder, ChatGPT would be perfect for this.
• Cut them up and put them in a bag for students to pull out of or use an online randomizing tool like WheelPicker to make the selection. 
• Students then have to share how they would handle the situation using ethical reasoning and decision making skills.

Here are the prompts I used on ChatGPT:

I am looking for a list of 15 moral dilemmas for elementary students to try and solve.

And a follow-up prompt:

Could you give 10 more that are based around honesty, fairness, respect, and peer pressure?

And here are 10 dilemmas ChatGPT came up with in seconds: 

• Truth dilemma: Your friend breaks something and asks you not to tell anyone. Should you keep their secret or tell an adult what happened?
• Fairness dilemma: You’re playing a game and your friend keeps losing. Do you let them win to make them feel better or play your best?
• Respecting property dilemma: You find money on the ground. Do you keep it, try to find the owner, or turn it into a teacher?
• Honesty dilemma: You accidentally take something that belongs to someone else. Do you return it, keep it, or ignore what happened?
• Respect dilemma: Your friend likes a certain game, but you don’t. They invite you to play. Do you decline and risk hurting their feelings, or play to make them happy?
• Cheating dilemma: You notice someone cheating during a class assignment. Should you tell the teacher or keep quiet?
• Environment dilemma: You see someone littering in the park. Do you pick up the trash, ignore it, or say something to the person?
• Privacy dilemma: You find a diary belonging to your sibling or friend. Should you read it or respect their privacy?
• Homework dilemma: You finish your homework but notice that your friend forgot to complete theirs. They ask to copy your work. What do you do?
• Peer pressure dilemma: Your friends want to gossip about another classmate. Do you join in, stay silent, or change the subject?

4) Move IT!

In this activity students are required to move an object across the classroom while navigating various constraints. 

• Introduce limitations such as restrictions on carrying the object, it can’t touch the floor, limited steps, use of specific body parts, or communication limitations with team members. 
• Encourage collaborative problem solving and creative thinking to overcome the obstacles.

5) The build

Provide students with materials like straws, marshmallows, paper cups, etc. and challenge them to build. Challenges can be the tallest freestanding tower, a bridge that can hold a certain weight, or other structures following specific rules. Students must learn to think creatively, collaborate, and iterate. 

Problem solving activities for middle school

Middle school problem solving can also utilize those activities mentioned for elementary school with some slight tweaks. But, here are some more middle school style activities.

6) Just survive

Use survival scenarios to encourage small groups to employ critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem solving skills. These scenarios immerse students in real-world situations and foster resilience and adaptability. 

Many scenarios can be found online. Here are a few:

• Survival Island (complete with Google Slides)
• Plane Crash (survival game with a Hatchet by Gary Paulsen feel)
• Moon Landing (space survival game)

7) Good old scavenger hunt maybe with a twist

Scavenger hunts require problem solving skills to solve clues, think critically, and collaborate to complete the hunt. A fun and innovative way to do this was created by a friend named Kathi Kersznowski, co-author of Sail the 7Cs with Microsoft Education, called FlipHunt: 

A Fliphunt is a video-based scavenger hunt that is completely organized and run in the AMAZING Flip (formerly Flipgrid) environment. It is a wonderfully fun way to get students up and moving while exploring new learning or documenting understanding using the most beloved edtech site for amplifying student voice and student engagement in ways never known before! https://kerszi.com

Escape rooms are an amazing way to promote problem solving and critical thinking with middle school students. Students are presented with a scenario or challenge within a controlled environment, such as a themed classroom or designated area, where they must work together to decipher puzzles, uncover clues, and solve challenges within a set time limit. Escape rooms provide immersive and engaging problem-solving experiences.

There are a number of places teachers can go to find escape rooms, some paid, some free or freemium, and some physical with locked boxes or digital using Google Sites or Google Forms.

• BreakoutEDU – Standards aligned Escape Room games.
• Digital Escape Rooms from Ditch That Textbook
• How to make your own digital escape room with Google Forms

9) Tower of terror

This is a “Red Solo Cup” cup stacking game. 

• Students are given 3 cups and 2 large index cards. 
• Cups are stacked with a card in between each cup. 
• Student teams have 3-10 minutes (be fluid with your time depending on the class) to pull the cards and get the cups to nest on top of each other, earning a point for each successful attempt. Check out this X (Twitter post) by Jonathan Alsheimer , Tower Of Terror . This quick, simple game encourages teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration in a fun fast paced way.

10) Community problem solving

Empower students to address real-world problems from the local community or your school community. Maybe it’s a dangerous intersection, food waste with school lunches, or single-use plastics in the cafeteria. Students can research, analyze data, and propose solutions, fostering civic engagement and social responsibility. This is an activity that can also be used for high school students. 

Problem solving activities for high school

High school problem-solving activities build on foundational skills while providing opportunities for deeper exploration and application. Here are some elevated ideas tailored to high school students:

11) Community problem solving documentary

Challenge students to create short documentaries using their phones as cameras about solving problems they see in the community, in school, or in the world. Students can edit directly on their phones, on sites like Canva , WeVideo , or Capcut . 

12) Digital storytelling

Encourage students to harness the power of Digital storytelling to promote problem solving. Whether through videos, graphics, podcasts, or interactive presentations, data visualization, or digital books ( BookCreator ), students can craft compelling narratives that inspire action and promote a problem-solving mindset.

Check out Michael Hernandez’s book Storytelling with Purpose Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity and you can listen to Michael on the TeacherNerdz Podcast .

13) Minefield/Lead the blind

This is an outstanding activity created by Dr. Krista Welz & Melissa Welz which involves communication, collaboration, and planning. The “Minefield” activity is  where one student navigates through a “Minefield” guided only by verbal commands from their peers. This hands-on exercise promotes teamwork, planning, and effective communication skills. Here is a detailed Google Slides explanation by the creators.

14) Design sprints

Introduce students to the concept of design sprints, a structured process for solving complex problems through rapid prototyping and user feedback.  Small teams collaborate intensely over a short period, usually five days (can be shorter a class period or a few days), to ideate, prototype, and validate solutions. Here is a famous design sprint from IDEO shown on ABC’s Nightline, the shopping cart design sprint:

Here are a few ideas:

• Redesigning the school cafeteria menu: Students work collaboratively to identify issues with the current cafeteria menu, brainstorm innovative solutions, create prototypes of redesigned menus, and gather feedback through testing sessions to ultimately present improved menu designs to school administrators.
• Redesigning classroom layouts for enhanced learning: This sprint focuses on reimagining classroom setups to optimize student learning experiences. Students research, ideate, prototype, test, and present innovative classroom layouts designed to foster a more engaging and effective learning environment.
• Creating solutions for reducing school waste: Students address sustainability concerns by identifying sources of waste within the school, brainstorming eco-friendly solutions, prototyping waste reduction strategies, testing their effectiveness, and pitching refined solutions aimed at minimizing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.
• 11 Activities from IDEO’s d.school for educators: Link

15) Debates

Facilitate lively debates on contemporary issues to stimulate critical thinking and persuasive communication skills.  Topics could include:

• Establishing a universal basic income to address poverty.
• Social media regulation to address misinformation and hate speech on platforms. 
• Banning TikTok or any social media platform
• Animal testing for cosmetics and scientific purposes.
• Space exploration funding: Should governments invest more resources in space exploration and colonization efforts, or should these funds be allocated to other pressing issues on Earth? 

As we navigate an era of unprecedented change and uncertainty, the need for problem-solving skills has never been more pressing. Gone are the days of lifelong careers; instead, today’s students face a landscape where adaptability and innovation are key. By integrating problem-solving activities tailored to elementary, middle school, and high school students, educators play a pivotal role in equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive.

As educators, parents, and stakeholders, we must acknowledge the role of problem-solving skills in shaping resilient, creative, and adaptable individuals. Educators should prioritize the cultivation of these essential skills in our schools and communities, empowering students to confront challenges with confidence, innovation, and creativity. When we do,  we not only prepare them for the future but also foster a generation capable of shaping a brighter tomorrow.

*Many, if not all, of the activities above can be adapted up or down the grade levels. *

• Daneshgari, F. (2023, March 29). High School Problem-Solving: 6 Activities That Work . Safes Parental Control App. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://www.safes.so/blogs/problem-solving-activities-for-high-school-students/
• Educator Guides: Activities from d.school Books — Stanford d.school . (n.d.). Stanford d.school. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://dschool.stanford.edu/resources/educators-guides-books
• Engaging Problem Solving Activities for Middle School Students . (n.d.). Everyday Speech. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://everydayspeech.com/sel-implementation/engaging-problem-solving-activities-for-middle-school-students/
• 5 Problem-Solving Activities for the Classroom . (2013, February 14). Resilient Educator. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/5-problem-solving-activities-for-the-classroom/
• Foshay, W. R., & Kirkley, J. (1998). Principles for Teaching Problem Solving . PLATO Learning Inc. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262798359_Principles_for_Teaching_Problem_Solving
• Khanna, B. (2023, September 29). World Economic Forum Warns of Skills Gap in the Future of Work . LinkedIn. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/world-economic-forum-warns-skills-gap-future-work-bhupendra-khanna
• Marshall, M. (2022, October 5). Benefits of Problem-Solving in the K-12 Classroom – Institute of Competition Sciences . Institute of Competition Sciences. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://www.competitionsciences.org/2022/10/05/benefits-of-problem-solving-in-the-k-12-classroom/
• Understanding the Importance of Teaching Creative Problem-Solving in Elementary Schools . (n.d.). Everyday Speech. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://everydayspeech.com/sel-implementation/understanding-the-importance-of-teaching-creative-problem-solving-in-elementary-schools/
• Weil, Z. (2016). The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries . Lantern Publishing & Media.
• Whiting, K. (2020, October 21). What are the top 10 job skills for the future? The World Economic Forum. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/top-10-work-skills-of-tomorrow-how-long-it-takes-to-learn-them/

Ronald M. Nober

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Ron Nober is a technology/STEAM teacher and co-host of the TeacherNerdz Podcast. He has a focus on using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the classroom as well as connecting technology to social good.

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Problem-solving skills are necessary in all areas of life, and classroom problem solving activities can be a great way to get students prepped and ready to solve real problems in real life scenarios. Whether in school, work or in their social relationships, the ability to critically analyze a problem, map out all its elements and then prepare a workable solution is one of the most valuable skills one can acquire in life.

Educating your students about problem solving skills from an early age in school can be facilitated through classroom problem solving activities. Such endeavors encourage cognitive as well as social development, and can equip students with the tools they’ll need to address and solve problems throughout the rest of their lives. Here are five classroom problem solving activities your students are sure to benefit from as well as enjoy doing:

1. Brainstorm bonanza

Having your students create lists related to whatever you are currently studying can be a great way to help them to enrich their understanding of a topic while learning to problem-solve. For example, if you are studying a historical, current or fictional event that did not turn out favorably, have your students brainstorm ways that the protagonist or participants could have created a different, more positive outcome. They can brainstorm on paper individually or on a chalkboard or white board in front of the class.

2. Problem-solving as a group

Have your students create and decorate a medium-sized box with a slot in the top. Label the box “The Problem-Solving Box.” Invite students to anonymously write down and submit any problem or issue they might be having at school or at home, ones that they can’t seem to figure out on their own. Once or twice a week, have a student draw one of the items from the box and read it aloud. Then have the class as a group figure out the ideal way the student can address the issue and hopefully solve it.

3. Clue me in

This fun detective game encourages problem-solving, critical thinking and cognitive development. Collect a number of items that are associated with a specific profession, social trend, place, public figure, historical event, animal, etc. Assemble actual items (or pictures of items) that are commonly associated with the target answer. Place them all in a bag (five-10 clues should be sufficient.) Then have a student reach into the bag and one by one pull out clues. Choose a minimum number of clues they must draw out before making their first guess (two- three). After this, the student must venture a guess after each clue pulled until they guess correctly. See how quickly the student is able to solve the riddle.

4. Survivor scenarios

Create a pretend scenario for students that requires them to think creatively to make it through. An example might be getting stranded on an island, knowing that help will not arrive for three days. The group has a limited amount of food and water and must create shelter from items around the island. Encourage working together as a group and hearing out every child that has an idea about how to make it through the three days as safely and comfortably as possible.

5. Moral dilemma

Create a number of possible moral dilemmas your students might encounter in life, write them down, and place each item folded up in a bowl or bag. Some of the items might include things like, “I saw a good friend of mine shoplifting. What should I do?” or “The cashier gave me an extra $1.50 in change after I bought candy at the store. What should I do?” Have each student draw an item from the bag one by one, read it aloud, then tell the class their answer on the spot as to how they would handle the situation.

Classroom problem solving activities need not be dull and routine. Ideally, the problem solving activities you give your students will engage their senses and be genuinely fun to do. The activities and lessons learned will leave an impression on each child, increasing the likelihood that they will take the lesson forward into their everyday lives.

You may also like to read

• Classroom Activities for Introverted Students
• Activities for Teaching Tolerance in the Classroom
• 5 Problem-Solving Activities for Elementary Classrooms
• 10 Ways to Motivate Students Outside the Classroom
• Motivating Introverted Students to Excel in the Classroom
• How to Engage Gifted and Talented Students in the Classroom

Categorized as: Tips for Teachers and Classroom Resources

Tagged as: Assessment Tools ,  Engaging Activities

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15 Problem-Solving Activities for Kids & Teens: Critical Thinking

What is one of the most important skills all students must learn? Is it math or coding? Reading? Writing? While all these skills are indeed vital to success, the one skill that underlines all disciplines is problem solving. All lines of work need great problem solvers to find tomorrow’s solutions, and students of any age can be honing their problem-solving skills. Check out some of these fun problem-solving activities for kids and teens below!

Problem-solving activities for elementary school kids (ages 5-10)

From traditional paper-and-pencil activities to online tools, below are some great activities for kids ages 5-10.

1. Coding Courses for Kids

It’s never too early to start learning the foundational concepts of computer programming! There are a number of courses appropriate for young students to start building their problem solving skills, including the award-winning Scratch Ninja course . For the uninitiated, Scratch is a user-friendly colorful drag-and-drop coding tool developed by MIT for making awesome games and animations while learning important coding logic. Or, for students who are visual learners, try a Minecraft Redstone Engineering course to find out how to build awesome inventions! There are many free coding classes to start with, to find your child's interests.

2. Tower Building

Turns out that kindergartners might be better engineers than grownups (at least according to this experiment)! The challenge was as follows: given 20 pieces of spaghetti, a yard of tape, and a yard of string, build the tallest possible tower that can support 1 marshmallow on top. After various groups of people tried it from Stanford and other universities, kindergartners ended up beating them for creating the tallest tower. Challenge your student to see how tall they can make their tower too!

3. Crosswords

Whether taken out of the newspaper or off of the web, crosswords are a useful logic puzzle for kids to work on. Crosswords encourage students to use context clues, as well as their reasoning skills by eliminating possible options as they progress. Plus, it’s easy to vary the difficulty of the puzzles, as well as find fun, themed crosswords for different holidays! There's even a Thanksgiving crossword for your student to try.

4. Jigsaw Puzzles

There’s nothing like a good, ole’ fashioned puzzle to challenge the mind. Each person takes a different approach to puzzle solving, whether they organize their pieces first, find all the corners, or do something totally different. Exploring different strategies for solving puzzles is an effective introduction to independently creating strategies for problem solving. This is a solid choice for students who are visual learners.

An age-old classic, LEGOs are a fantastic way to combine creative skills with problem solving. Students need to follow sequential steps and visualize to create their LEGO designs. It’s even better when students go beyond the kit instructions to create their own LEGO build, as students will have to learn to utilize limited resources while coming up with a structured plan for designing their idea. LEGO Mindstorms is a popular starting point.

Problem-solving activities for middle school tweens (ages 11-13)

Middle schoolers (ages 11-13) will want to be challenged more with their activities, and these are some effective activities for encouraging growth.

6. Middle School Coding Courses

By the time they reach middle school, students will be ready to take on more advanced coding concepts, regardless of their prior coding experience. For those who have no prior coding experience, the Accelerated Scratch course is an excellent option, as it will introduce students to basic coding concepts while allowing them to make their games and animations. Students with some prior coding experience may want to try the Minecraft Code to Mod course, builds upon basic coding concepts like loops, conditionals, and more while building students' creativity and critical thinking.

7. Birthday Ordering

An activity commonly done at summer camps, the silent birthday lineup is an excellent problem-solving activity for groups. The goal is for students to line up in chronological order based on their birthdays, without talking at all. Working in total science requires students to think outside the box to accomplish their goal, and to prioritize teamwork. Try timing the students to see how quickly they can get it done, then let them reflect on the activity afterwards to see what strategies worked and what didn’t.

8. Event Planning

Have students plan their own event, like a fundraiser, a social, or a competition for their coding club . This will require students to collaborate by delegating tasks, coordinating supplies, budgeting, and more. Even planning something as simple as a pizza party still requires some logistical planning, and students will benefit from struggling through the process. Plus, they can get to enjoy the results of their work when the event finally arrives!

Arduino circuit boards are an excellent choice for children interested in engineering. Because Arduino is widely-popular, there are countless tutorials demonstrating its capabilities, such as creating a controller, custom RGB lighting, robotics, or more. Once students learn the basics, they can use Arduino boards to come up with creative solutions to their own problems. This is an excellent idea for highly-motivated kids who like to work by themselves.

Sudoku is an excellent number puzzle and a great problem-solving exercise. It requires students to evaluate multiple possible options as they try to fill in the puzzles, so students need to be able to create an organized approach to be successful. There are various difficulty levels for sudoku, so students can start easy, then advance as they become proficient at solving the puzzles.

Problem-solving activities for high school teens (ages 14+)

High school (14+) is a good time to incorporate group work into the activities, as students will need to learn to work collaboratively for their future in college and beyond.

11. Coding for Teens

Once reaching high school age, students are ready to tackle the complexities of text-based coding. This is where students can focus on their interests, whether it be web design , AI, app design , and more. Create & Learn’s Python for AI course is a good option, as Python is one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world. Students interested in game design might try the Roblox Studio course , which teaches students how to program their own Roblox games (or try the Beginner Roblox Game Coding course if they have limited previous coding experience.)

12. Robotics Club

Many different school programs offer robotics teams and robotics competitions , using tools such as VEX robotics . Robotics is a great way to combine computer science, mechanical engineering, and problem-solving skills. If there is no robotics team at your student’s school, consider trying a robotics kit such as the Makeblock mBot Ranger .

13. Egg Drop

This classic experiment is a lot of fun for students, and makes for a good competition as well. Students must build some sort of structure that will prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height (like the top of a staircase). It works best when students are restricted with the resources they can use; for instance, define a “ budget ” for parts that they can’t exceed, or give everyone the same materials to work with .

14. Debate Club

Whether deciding public policy or the best ice cream place in town, having the ability to engage in meaningful debate is critical. Debate forces students to self-analyze, listen, and think critically before making decisions. These skills benefit students’ futures by making them strong, independent thinkers. Check out these speech and debate competitions . And here are some tips for starting a debate club .

15. Science Fair

Science fairs pose an excellent opportunity for exploring the scientific method, both through creating personal projects and checking out other students’ presentations. By encouraging students to come up with their own projects, they must identify some question or problem and find a way to solve it. This can be the most challenging kind of problem-solving, as it requires the student to take initiative in finding their own ideas, but also can be the most rewarding. Try the Google Science Fair Competition .

Enjoy problem-solving activities for kids

And there you have it: problem-solving activities for students from elementary through high school age. Of course, there are many more ways to build critical-thinking abilities like problem-solving. For more ideas, check this list of awesome after-school enrichment activities !

Written by Create & Learn instructor Dominic Occhietti. Dominic is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he studied music performance and computer science. He thoroughly enjoys teaching, whether that be coding classes, French horn lessons, or even downhill skiing lessons!

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Cognitive Activities For High School: Discussions, Research, Investigations, Challenges, And Presentation

April 18, 2024 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

Stimulate critical thinking with a variety of cognitive activities that have been specifically designed for high school students. These activities are designed to enhance problem-solving and creative thinking skills, all while making learning enjoyable. Let’s dive right in and discover 22 creative cognitive activities that will engage and challenge your high school students!

1. Socratic Seminars

Encourage deep thinking and discussion by conducting Socratic seminars where you engage your students in thoughtful dialogue on a given topic; getting them to share their perspectives and support their arguments with evidence.

Learn More: We Are Teachers

2. Case Studies

Why not get your learners to analyze real-life scenarios or case studies so they apply their knowledge to solve complex problems, foster critical thinking, and develop strong decision-making skills.

Learn More: CRPE

3. Debate Club

Organize a debate club where students will have opportunities to research and debate various topics; allowing them to develop persuasive arguments, analyze different perspectives, and enhance their communication skills.

Learn More: Love to Know

4. Scientific Investigations

Take a deep dive into the world of scientific discovery with a host of investigations! Engage your students in scientific investigations that require hypothesis formulation, data collection, analysis, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. In doing so, you’ll be promoting critical thinking as well as scientific reasoning!

Learn More: Science Buddies

5. Design Thinking Challenges

Did someone say STEM challenges? Challenge your students to engage in design thinking challenges that require them to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and prototype innovative ideas; fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Learn More: STEM Activities for Kids

6. Current Events Analysis

Assign students to analyze and critically evaluate current events articles, encouraging them to examine multiple sources, consider different viewpoints, and form informed opinions.

Learn More: The Learning Network

7. Mind Mapping

Introduce mind mapping as a visual tool for organizing and connecting ideas, allowing students to enhance their critical thinking, note-taking, and information synthesis skills. This skill is sure to prove helpful when it comes to learning new content and revising like a pro!

Learn More: Ayoa

8. Logic Puzzles

Provide logic puzzles such as Sudoku, crosswords, or jigsaw puzzles that challenge students’ deductive reasoning and problem-solving abilities, encouraging them to think analytically and develop strategies to arrive at solutions.

Learn More: Fun With Puzzles

9. Data Interpretation

Engage students in activities that involve interpreting and analyzing data sets, graphs, and charts, helping them develop essential skills in data analysis and drawing conclusions.

Learn More: Question Pro

10. Research Projects

Assign research projects that require students to conduct independent investigations, analyze data, and present their findings, to the class fostering critical thinking, information literacy, and research skills.

Learn More: College Essay Guy

11. Ethical Dilemma Discussions

Present ethical dilemmas for students to discuss and debate, encouraging them to consider different perspectives, make informed judgments, and articulate their reasoning. Furthermore, by engaging in this activity, learners will be prompted to consider their very own moral compass and hopefully be more inclined to act in an ethical manner.

Learn More: Prezi

12. Creative Writing Prompts

Here’s a cognitive activity that’s perfect for integration into your next English class!  Provide creative writing prompts that challenge students to think imaginatively, develop complex storylines, and craft compelling narratives, promoting creative thinking and storytelling skills.

Learn More: Elite Writings

13. Problem-Based Learning

Implement problem-based learning activities that present authentic, open-ended problems for students to solve collaboratively, allowing them to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Learn More: Forbes

14. Virtual Simulations

This activity is perfect for learners who are more technologically inclined and enjoy working online. Utilize virtual simulations or educational games that immerse students in simulated real-world scenarios, enabling them to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a virtual environment.

Learn More: Labster

15. Philosophy Discussions

Engage your students in philosophical discussions by exploring thought-provoking questions, encouraging them to analyze and evaluate different philosophical perspectives.

Learn More: Teaching Times

16. Literature Analysis

Assign literature analysis tasks that require students to critically analyze and interpret literary works, examining themes, symbolism, character development, and authorial intent.

Learn More: Edutopia

17. Coding Challenges

Calling all coding boffins! Introduce coding challenges that require students to think logically, problem-solve, and debug code, fostering computational thinking and algorithmic reasoning skills.

Learn More: Create & Learn

18. Historical Simulations

Engage students in historical simulations that recreate historical events or periods, allowing them to analyze multiple perspectives and understand the complexity of historical contexts.

Learn More: History Simulation

19. Media Literacy Analysis

Guide students in critically analyzing media content; helping them understand biases, evaluate sources, and develop critical media literacy skills. They can explore media texts such as advertisements, news articles, or films.

Learn More: Study.com

20. Problem-Solving through Robotics

Integrate robotics activities into Engineering spheres and have your learners design and program robots to solve specific challenges; promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and computational skills.

Learn More: The Edvocate

21. Philosophical Debates

Philosophy is one of the time-honored subjects in the debating realm! So, why not organize philosophical debates where students engage in thought-provoking discussions on philosophical concepts and ethical dilemmas?

Learn More: Owlcation

22. Collaborative Research Presentations

Assign group research projects where students collaborate to research, analyze data, and create presentations, developing their critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills.

Learn More: Granite State College

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Kami Blog > Engaging Activities for High School Students

Inspiration

Engaging activities for high school students.

Student engagement strategies and active learning are key to learners bringing their best selves to the classroom. It’s important to use diverse fun activities in your lesson plan to maintain active learning. We’re here to help you make sure you don’t run out of ideas. Check out our engaging activities for high school students:

Here are 5 icebreakers to start the lesson

Have a daily riddle that the class solves before the lesson starts. They can break into small groups to brainstorm or call out answers for the whiteboard. Check out a collated list here to help you with riddle ideas.

Foster the habit of writing by giving a visual stimulus, such as an interesting photo, and asking your students to write something about it. Use this image generator to inspire the entire class and give them specific parameters about what you want to explore. Do this every day to develop their writing skills.

3. Discussion

Add all the questions you want to cover with your students to this editable spin wheel and give it a spin to start the class discussion.

4. Flash fiction

Flash fiction is about broad storytelling. Give your students a challenge to write a 6-word story. They can use any topic but stick to the parameters to introduce an idea, plot, and character. There are some fantastic examples here to get those creative juices flowing.

5. Human knot

This is a physical and fun activity to develop problem-solving skills. Ask the students to stand in a circle and join hands with two random people in the circle. This creates a human knot, and the goal is to untangle it. Make it competitive with larger groups by dividing students into smaller groups or pairs and seeing who can get untangled the fastest using those critical thinking skills!

10 Classroom activities to engage students

Now that everyone has warmed up review the below teaching strategies to spice up some learning activities with these ideas.

1. Host a Jeopardy quiz!

If you’re a fan of the tv show then put that fandom to good use and host a quiz on the topic you’re studying. This activity is ideal for when high school students need to get ready for a big test. Studies have shown that students that are quizzed are more successful. They can revise with index cards so they are really familiar with the topic beforehand. Divide the class up into two teams and draw a Jeopardy-style game on the board with titles based on the topics that will be covered in the test and quiz. Just like in the television show, each category should have points for each level of question. Keep it simple with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25-point question levels. Give each team a buzzer from a board game or a bell for answering. The teams should consult with each other before buzzing in with an answer.

2. Play Guess Who

Learning who is who from history can get overwhelming so use this teaching strategy to help. Put those problem-solving skills to good use in history class (or others!). Describe a time, place, or person from history with only three clues. The entire class has to try to figure out who or what you are referring to, then race to the whiteboard to write the answer. The students can use their history books or clues around the room if they need to.

3. Journalling

Develop creative writing skills by asking each student to write a journal entry from someone else’s perspective. There are many famous diarists who provide key insight into life through history. You could allocate a different diary entry for each student and then ask them to read it in front of the class. For example, if studying the civil war you could allocate students to write as if they were soldiers, civilians, politicians, etc.

4. Entry tickets …and exit tickets

Put a stack of index cards next to your classroom door and write a question on the board. When your students come into class, hand out index cards, write down an answer to the question and hand it in —as their “entry ticket” to class.

The question should be something related to the day’s lesson, like “after last night’s homework assignment, what do you think about X?” or “after studying the material for today’s class, what are some areas you still need clarification on?”

Not only does this activity get your students engaged and interacting from the minute they walk into the classroom, but it also gives you valuable insights you can use to guide the day’s lesson plan.

When your students are getting ready to leave for the day, have them do the same thing—just with exit tickets (use Kami’s templates).

The same concept applies. Ask them a question about the day’s lesson, any questions they might have, or overall feedback—then collect their ticket before they head home. Reviewing their exit tickets will help you figure out where to adjust your lesson plan for the following day.

5. Brainstorming

Group brainstorming sessions are a great way to bring your students together to engage with whatever they’re learning. Instead of thinking about the topic alone at their desk, they get to expand their ideas with other students in small groups, which will help them be more engaged and gain a new perspective on the lesson. This is a fun way to develop helpful skills for high school students, especially around class discussion. Use Kami’s brainstorming worksheets for this activity idea.

6. Debate-style activity

Most students will have a view of what you’re learning. Use this to your advantage and create a school activity of debating the merits or detractions of whatever you are learning about. This is a good way to engage critical thinking skills as the best debaters will anticipate what the other person might say and be prepared. Get them to write down their main points on pieces of paper ahead so they can practice and be prepared for the debate. This can be done in front of the whole class and you can change the debaters each week.

7. Thumbs up / thumbs down

Thumbs up / thumbs down is a hands-on fun way to monitor if your students are following a story. Tell students to put their thumbs up if they agree with a statement or to put their thumbs down if they disagree. When students have a low energy level (maybe right after lunch?) Stand Up/Sit Down may be a better alternative.

8. Create a video lesson plan

Social media is a part of students’ lives, and those skills in making videos can be really helpful. Flip the tables and ask the students to put together a lesson on the specific topic. Ask the students to put together a video, and perhaps instigate a challenge to include certain vocabulary words you’re written on the whiteboard. This is a fun hands-on activity that could produce some great learning resources.

9. Think pair share

Think pair share can be used for a variety of topics; math problems, science processes, and reading. If you ask an open-ended question ask the students to think about it, then put them into small groups and let them discuss. Then ask all the students to contribute to the classroom discussion and share their thoughts in front of the class.

10. Roll the dice

High school students really respond to their learning when they feel engaged and part of it. Why not write down all the activities that you might have planned and number them? Then ask a student to roll the dice. Whatever number they roll is the activity you do for that lesson. You provide students with some potential impact on how they learn.

Student engagement strategies are a fun way to get the students learning and keep them engaged as their attention span might wane through the day (as might yours). It’s great to have lots of varied ways to engage the brain, body, and spirit. Please let us know on socials how you get on!

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Engaging Problem Solving Activities For High School Students

In today’s world, strong problem solving skills are more important than ever before. Employers highly value candidates who can think critically and creatively to overcome challenges. If you’re looking for ways to sharpen your high school student’s problem solving abilities, you’ve come to the right place.

Here’s a quick overview of the top problem solving activities we’ll cover in this guide: group challenges like escape rooms, individual logic puzzles and riddles, project-based learning through coding and engineering tasks, and conversational problem solving through Socratic seminars.

Group Challenges and Escape Rooms

Engaging high school students in problem-solving activities is crucial for their cognitive development and critical thinking skills. One popular and effective approach is through group challenges and escape rooms.

These activities not only promote teamwork and collaboration but also provide an exciting and immersive learning experience.

What Are Escape Rooms and Why Are They Effective?

Escape rooms are physical adventure games where participants are “locked” in a room and must solve puzzles and find clues to escape within a set time limit. These rooms are designed to challenge participants’ problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and decision-making skills.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by NoWayOut Premium Escape Rooms (@nowayout_dubai)

The immersive nature of escape rooms creates an exciting and high-stakes environment that motivates students to think creatively and work together as a team.

Research has shown that escape rooms are highly effective in improving students’ problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

According to a study from BMC Medical Education , escape rooms improve student engagement and learning. This activity can increase motivation and enhance teamwork skills.

The challenging and interactive nature of escape rooms makes them a valuable tool for engaging high school students in problem-solving activities.

Tips for Creating Your Own Escape Room

If you want to create your own escape room for high school students, here are some tips to make it a memorable and effective experience:

• Theme and Storyline: Choose an engaging theme or storyline that will capture the students’ interest and make the experience more immersive.
• Puzzles and Challenges: Design a variety of puzzles and challenges that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork to solve.
• Time Limit: Set a reasonable time limit to create a sense of urgency and keep the students engaged throughout the activity.
• Feedback and Reflection: Provide feedback and encourage students to reflect on their problem-solving strategies and teamwork skills after completing the escape room.

Other Group Challenges and Problem Solving Activities

In addition to escape rooms, there are various other group challenges and problem-solving activities that can be implemented in high school settings . These activities can range from outdoor team-building exercises to classroom-based problem-solving tasks.

Outdoor activities such as scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and ropes courses can foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Classroom-based activities like brainstorming sessions, case studies, and simulation games can also provide opportunities for students to think critically and solve complex problems.

It is important for educators to select activities that align with the learning objectives and interests of their students. By incorporating these engaging group challenges and problem-solving activities into high school curricula, educators can empower their students to develop essential skills that will benefit them in their academic and professional lives.

Individual Logic Puzzles and Riddles

Benefits of logic puzzles.

Logic puzzles are a great way to engage high school students in problem-solving activities. These puzzles require students to think critically, analyze information, and use deductive reasoning to find solutions.

They help develop cognitive skills such as logical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. By solving these puzzles individually, students also learn to work independently and trust their own reasoning abilities.

According to Psychology Today , logic puzzles can improve memory, enhance problem-solving skills, and boost overall brain health. They provide mental stimulation and challenge students to think outside the box.

Moreover, logic puzzles are a fun and engaging way to learn, making the learning process enjoyable and captivating for high school students.

Examples of Engaging Logic Puzzles

There are various types of logic puzzles and riddles that high school students can enjoy. Here are a few examples:

• Grid-based puzzles: These puzzles require students to fill in a grid by using clues to determine the correct arrangement of elements. Sudoku is a popular example of a grid-based logic puzzle.
• Number series puzzles: In these puzzles, students need to find the missing number or the pattern in a given series of numbers. This helps develop numerical reasoning and pattern recognition skills.
• Mystery riddles: These riddles present a scenario or a problem that students need to solve by using logic and deduction. They often involve a crime or a mysterious situation that requires careful analysis to find the solution.

These examples are just a starting point, and there are countless logic puzzles and riddles available online or in puzzle books that can keep high school students engaged and challenged.

Tips for Using Riddles and Brain Teasers

When using riddles and brain teasers as problem-solving activities, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

• Start with easier puzzles: Begin with puzzles that are relatively easy to solve, and gradually increase the difficulty level. This allows students to build confidence and develop their problem-solving skills.
• Encourage collaboration: While individual puzzles are beneficial, group activities can foster teamwork and collaboration. Consider incorporating group discussions or competitions to promote collaboration and peer learning.
• Provide hints and guidance: If students get stuck, offer hints or guidance to help them move forward. This prevents frustration and keeps the learning process enjoyable.
• Reflect on the solution: After solving a puzzle, encourage students to reflect on the problem-solving process. Discuss the strategies they used, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned. This promotes metacognition and helps students improve their problem-solving skills.

By incorporating individual logic puzzles and riddles into problem-solving activities, high school students can have a great time while developing essential cognitive skills and enhancing their ability to think critically and analytically.

Project-Based Learning Through STEM

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an effective teaching method that encourages students to actively engage in real-world problem-solving . When combined with the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), it creates a powerful learning experience for high school students.

PBL through STEM not only helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and communication abilities.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by SOAR STEM Schools (@soarstemschools)

Coding Challenges

Coding challenges are an excellent way to introduce high school students to the world of computer programming. These challenges allow students to apply their logical thinking and problem-solving skills to create programs or solve coding problems.

Online platforms like Codecademy provide a wide range of coding challenges and tutorials for students to enhance their coding abilities. These challenges can be related to creating games, building websites, or developing mobile applications.

By engaging in coding challenges, students not only learn coding languages but also gain an understanding of the importance of computational thinking in today’s technology-driven world.

Engineering and Design Thinking Projects

Engineering and design thinking projects involve hands-on activities that allow high school students to apply their knowledge of engineering principles and design concepts. These projects can range from building simple structures using everyday materials to constructing complex machines and systems.

Websites like TeachEngineering provide a plethora of project ideas and resources for educators and students. By engaging in these projects, students learn to think critically, analyze problems, and develop innovative solutions.

They also develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management.

Science Investigation and Experiments

Science investigation and experiments are fundamental to STEM education as they enable high school students to explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiences. These activities involve formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results.

Websites like Science Buddies offer a vast collection of science project ideas and resources for students of all ages. By engaging in scientific investigations and experiments, students not only deepen their understanding of scientific concepts but also develop skills such as observation, data analysis, and critical thinking .

Socratic Seminars

Socratic Seminars are a valuable tool for engaging high school students in problem-solving activities. Originating from the Socratic method of teaching, these seminars encourage students to think critically and engage in thoughtful discussions.

The goal of a Socratic Seminar is to delve deeper into a particular topic or text by asking open-ended questions and encouraging students to analyze and evaluate different perspectives. This method promotes active listening, respectful dialogue, and the development of critical thinking skills.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Gloucester City High School (@gloucester_highschool_lions)

One of the key aspects of a successful Socratic Seminar is the preparation of thought-provoking discussion questions. These questions should be open-ended and encourage students to think deeply about the topic being discussed.

A well-prepared question can spark lively and insightful conversations, allowing students to explore different viewpoints and develop their own ideas. It is important for the facilitator or teacher to carefully select questions that will challenge the students and promote critical thinking.

When preparing discussion questions for a Socratic Seminar, it can be helpful to consider the following:

• What are the main themes or concepts that you want students to explore?
• How can you frame questions that will encourage students to analyze and evaluate different perspectives?
• Are there any current events or real-life examples that can be incorporated into the discussion?

During a Socratic Seminar, the facilitator plays a crucial role in guiding the conversation and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate. The facilitator should create a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions.

It is important to establish ground rules for respectful dialogue, such as using evidence to support arguments and actively listening to others.

The facilitator can also help steer the conversation by asking follow-up questions, summarizing key points, and encouraging students to elaborate on their ideas. By actively listening and responding to student contributions, the facilitator can foster a dynamic and engaging discussion that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.

Socratic Seminars are a powerful tool for engaging high school students in problem-solving activities. By promoting critical thinking, active listening, and respectful dialogue, these seminars provide an opportunity for students to develop their analytical skills and engage in meaningful conversations.

Whether discussing a literary text or a current event, Socratic Seminars offer a platform for students to explore complex issues and find innovative solutions.

Problem solving abilities will serve students well both in academics and in life after school. The activities discussed give teens a chance to flex their critical thinking muscles in a hands-on, engaging way.

Group challenges teach teamwork and collaboration skills, while individual puzzles help sharpen logic and reasoning. Real-world projects allow students to creatively apply STEM concepts, and seminars provide conversational problem solving practice.

The next time your high schooler seems bored or disengaged, try one of these stimulating problem solving activities! With consistent practice, teens will develop stronger skills to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Maria Sanchez is the founder of the Save Our Schools March blog. As a former teacher and parent, she is passionate about equitable access to quality public education. Maria created the blog to build awareness around education issues and solutions after organizing a local march for public schools.

With a Master's in Education, Maria taught high school English before leaving her career to raise a family. As a parent, she became concerned about underfunded schools and over-testing. These experiences drove Maria to become an education advocate.

On the blog, Maria provides resources and policy insights from the dual perspective of an informed parent and former teacher. She aims to inspire others to join the movement for quality, equitable public education. Maria lives with her family in [city, state].

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Home » Games » 17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids, Adults and Teens]

17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids, Adults and Teens]

Everyone should learn problem solving, as it is important in both our personal and professional lives. Problems occur all around us and many people react with spontaneous emotion. Instead, effective use of problem solving skills can lead to rational thinking, a component of any successful endeavor.

Creative problem involves using one or more of the basic steps of problem solving in exercises designed to challenge the thinking. Problem solving activities work for every age group. In this article, we will present problem-solving activities for adults and kids. We will also provide you with group and team building problem solving ideas.

Table of Contents

There are four basic steps in problem solving:

• define the problem
• generate possible solutions
• evaluate and select possible solutions
• implement solutions

Problem solving activities use one of more of these steps.

Group Problem Solving Activities

Group activities provide an effective way to learn problem-solving skills. The following list of activities present problem solving skills in the form of games, a non-threatening and fun way.

Divide your group into teams of equal numbers. Give each team a ball of yarn. Instruct the teams to create a web using only the yarn. Once the teams have finished (you may have to set an amount of time for completion), switch the teams around so that every team has a web other than their own. Each team then blindfolds one team member. The goal is for the blindfolded individual to unwind the web following the verbal instruction of their teammates. In order to be successful, team members must concentrate, and give/follow directions. The first team that has dismantled the web wins this game.

To Do Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt game involves solving a list of problem activities. Begin by dividing your group into teams. Give each group a list of to do activities. The list should begin with some simple tasks, with increasingly more difficult activities. Some suggested activities are:

• Write a one hundred word poem on a given theme.
• Find an object readily available in the area in which you are playing
• Drink a whole can or glass of a liquid
• Solve a Sudoku or cross word puzzle
• Write out all the lyrics of a song (a Christmas carol works well at holiday time)

The team that completes all the activities first, wins.

Impromptu Skits

Prior to playing this game, write down a few appropriate situations that deal events in the venue in which you are playing. For example, for a group involved in customer service, use dealing with an angry customer on the phone. If you have a large group, divide them into teams of six to eight members. Have each group choose a folded piece of paper on which you have written the subject of a skit they must create.  Give a set amount of time to prepare the skit and then have each team present their skit to the group. If you have a small group, have each person create one side of a conversation dealing with the problem for presentation to everyone.

Block Duplicating

Build a model out of building blocks. Provide each group member (or divide into teams for a large group ) enough blocks to duplicate the model. Set a specific amount of time for completing the duplicated model. The team that is the first to finish – or gets the furthest on completing their model – wins. The more difficult the original model, the longer this task will take.

Team Building Problem Solving Activities

When choosing team building problem solving activities, make sure the game you use suits the group of people – their ages and interests. The activities we have listed will help with not only problem solving, but also build decision making, collaboration, and listening skills.

Tower Building

Although there are many variations to this game, this one using spaghetti and marsh mellows is our favorite. Divide you group into teams with an equal number of players. Provide each team with an equal amount of spaghetti and marsh mellows. The goal is to see which team can build the highest tower within a set amount of time.

Personalized Crossword

For this game to be effective, you need one or more teams of 8 to 10 people. Have each team list the first and last names of their group members. The goal is to create a crossword puzzle with clues composed of hints about the person, for example, if only one team member has red hair, the two clues for her first and last name could be, “Red hair,” and “Ginger.” It should take each team 20 to 30 minutes to complete their puzzle. When all the teams are finished, trade puzzles so that every team has a different one. Make sure you provide a list of names for the puzzle solvers.

Picture Pieces Puzzle Game

Prepare for this problem solving activity by choosing a well-known picture or cartoon full of detail. Cut the picture into equal sized squares and give one to each member of the group. You will need as many pieces as you have participants. Additionally, give each person a pencil, ruler for help enlarging the picture, colored markers, and a clean sheet of paper. Instruct them to make the puzzle piece five times larger.

Problem Solving Activities for Adults

Divide your group into two teams. Line up the two teams front to back. Have the two groups face each other. Using chalk, spray paint, or masking tape (depending on the play surface) mark a square space for each person to stand on with one extra empty space between the two facing rows. You may also use a piece of paper for each person. The goal is for the two facing lines of players to change places.

Place these restrictions on movement:

• Only one person may move at a time.
• A person may not move around anyone facing the same direction.
• A person may not move backward.
• A person may not move around more than one person on the other team at a time.

Playing Card Mix-up

Divide your group into teams of six to eight participants. Give each team two decks of cards randomly mixed together. Tell the group they must sort them out without talking. As they working at the task, after a few minutes, change the way in which they are doing so using one of the following:

• If a team is sorting by suits from ace to king (4 stacks), tell them to collect the suits together by number (13 stacks).
• If a team begins by collecting the suits together, i.e. all the ones, twos, threes, etc., tell them to sort the suits from ace to king.

The team(s) that do so successfully by the end of a given time (depending on the size of your group) share what methods they used to accomplish the task.

Blindfolded games are always fun and provide the perfect challenge for adult problem solving. We have provided two for you.

Blind Formations

Have your group of adults put on blindfolds and form a large circle. Tie the ends of a rope together and lay in it a circle in the middle of the group, close enough that each person can reach down and pick up the rope. Tell them they must create a shape – a square, triangle, pentagon, etc. If you have a very large group, divide them into teams and provide a rope for each team. Let them compete to see who forms a particular shape quickest.

Line up Blind

Blindfold everyone and number the group by whispering a number to each individual beginning at one. Tell them to line up in numerical order without talking. Variations are many, with some of the favorites not requiring the whispering step being to line up according to height, birthday, surname, color of hair, etc.

Balloon Tower

Divide you group into teams of three and provide ten balloons and four 3-foot long strips of masking tape for each team. The object of this problem solving activity is to build the tallest freestanding tower in ten minutes. They can break the balloons if they wish. However, they may not use any additional materials and the tower must be built on a table or the floor. If you wish, you may add the following instructions:

• No talking.
• Each team member may use only one hand.
• One team member may not touch the materials and only give directions.

You can use one or more of these limitations in 60-second intervals. The first team to complete their tower wins this challenge.

Problem Solving Activities for Kids

The purpose of problem solving activities for kids is to get kids to think about a problem in a different way and have fun while solving it. Children will develop their creativity as they seek to implement a solution.

Walking the Plank

For this problem solving activity for older kids or teens, you will need four 2×6 boards. Divide your group into two teams with an equal number of children on each team. Place two of the four boards end to end on the ground or floor. Set the other two parallel to the first two about two or three feet apart. The goal is for each team to pass one board forward while standing on the other board in single file. If someone steps off a board, the team must start over. The team that succeeds in passing the boards a set number of times, or reaches a predetermined spot is the winner.

“Laser” Web

Use a large ball of string to create a giant web from one end of a room to the other. The goal is for individuals or teams to move through the web without touching the string. If they do so, they have been “zapped by a laser” and must try again. For greater suspense and for older players, use blindfolds or turn off the lights, allowing players to touch the string, but not pull it down or out of its original shape.

Group Drawing

Divide your group of kids into teams of three. Each person on the team has a one of the following roles:

• Drawer . The drawer attempts to recreate a pre-drawn design they cannot see. They take directions from the talker. They stand with their back to the talker and viewer and may not talk.
• Talker . The talker describes the design to the drawer, without seeing the design. They may question the viewer. They may not use hand gestures.
• Viewer . The viewer sees the design. However, they are not allowed to talk and must communicate nonverbally to the talker.  Additionally, they must not draw the design in the air or actually show the design with their gestures.

The activity ends when the viewers say they are satisfied with the drawings. You may wish to award a prize to the best drawing.

Prior to playing this game, write on individual slips of paper the names of animal pairs, one name on each slip. Distribute the slips of paper to each group, instructing them not to share which animal name they received. The kids then move around performing activities their animal might do. The goal is for the kids to get into pairs successfully in a set amount of time without talking or making any noises. Suggest the following activities:

• Cleaning or grooming
• Eating and drinking
• Walking or running

Alphabet Game

Have your players sit or stand in a circle. The goal is to shout out words in alphabetical order. Give the kids one of the following categories (or choose your own):

If a player takes longer than five seconds to think of a word, they are out. The last player remaining wins the game.

People achieve more when they solve problems and make decisions together. Our problem solving activities teach participants how to work out a solution, a talent useful in many different environments. Problem solving:

• Improves team work
• Helps participants address complex situations
• Utilizes different thinking styles
• Increases creativity
• Collectively leads to decision making
• Teaches both negotiation and cooperation

After completing a problem solving activity, encourage participants to discuss what process(es) they used in the exercise. Even kids are able to participate in such discussions. Also ask what was learned and if they have any opinions about how they could have solved the problem more efficiently.

Team-building exercises can improve problem solving and decision making in a new or established team. They work with every age group and in many different environments. Use our exercises to help solve problems and have some fun doing so.

Susan majored in English with a double minor in Humanities and Business at Arizona State University and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University. She taught grades four through twelve in both public and private schools. Subjects included English, U.S. and world history and geography, math, earth and physical science, Bible, information technologies, and creative writing.

Susan has been freelance writing for over ten years, during which time she has written and edited books, newspaper articles, biographies, book reviews, guidelines, neighborhood descriptions for realtors, Power Point presentations, resumes, and numerous other projects.

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Thanks for your help!!

excellent ideas – thanks !

Excellent ideas.

Thank you. My students have requested we do team-building activities; I thought we would start with problem-solving.

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Problem Solving Activities: 7 Strategies

• Critical Thinking

Problem solving can be a daunting aspect of effective mathematics teaching, but it does not have to be! In this post, I share seven strategic ways to integrate problem solving into your everyday math program.

In the middle of our problem solving lesson, my district math coordinator stopped by for a surprise walkthrough. 

I was so excited!

We were in the middle of what I thought was the most brilliant math lesson– teaching my students how to solve problem solving tasks using specific problem solving strategies. 

It was a proud moment for me!

Each week, I presented a new problem solving strategy and the students completed problems that emphasized the strategy. 

Genius right? 

After observing my class, my district coordinator pulled me aside to chat. I was excited to talk to her about my brilliant plan, but she told me I should provide the tasks and let my students come up with ways to solve the problems. Then, as students shared their work, I could revoice the student’s strategies and give them an official name. 

What a crushing blow! Just when I thought I did something special, I find out I did it all wrong. 

I took some time to consider her advice. Once I acknowledged she was right, I was able to make BIG changes to the way I taught problem solving in the classroom. 

When I Finally Saw the Light

To give my students an opportunity to engage in more authentic problem solving which would lead them to use a larger variety of problem solving strategies, I decided to vary the activities and the way I approached problem solving with my students. 

Problem Solving Activities

Here are seven ways to strategically reinforce problem solving skills in your classroom. 

Seasonal Problem Solving

Many teachers use word problems as problem solving tasks. Instead, try engaging your students with non-routine tasks that look like word problems but require more than the use of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to complete. Seasonal problem solving tasks and daily challenges are a perfect way to celebrate the season and have a little fun too!

Cooperative Problem Solving Tasks

Go cooperative! If you’ve got a few extra minutes, have students work on problem solving tasks in small groups. After working through the task, students create a poster to help explain their solution process and then post their poster around the classroom. Students then complete a gallery walk of the posters in the classroom and provide feedback via sticky notes or during a math talk session.

Notice and Wonder

Before beginning a problem solving task, such as a seasonal problem solving task, conduct a Notice and Wonder session. To do this, ask students what they notice about the problem. Then, ask them what they wonder about the problem. This will give students an opportunity to highlight the unique characteristics and conditions of the problem as they try to make sense of it. 

Want a better experience? Remove the stimulus, or question, and allow students to wonder about the problem. Try it! You’ll gain some great insight into how your students think about a problem.

Math Starters

Start your math block with a math starter, critical thinking activities designed to get your students thinking about math and provide opportunities to “sneak” in grade-level content and skills in a fun and engaging way. These tasks are quick, designed to take no more than five minutes, and provide a great way to turn-on your students’ brains. Read more about math starters here ! 

Create your own puzzle box! The puzzle box is a set of puzzles and math challenges I use as fast finisher tasks for my students when they finish an assignment or need an extra challenge. The box can be a file box, file crate, or even a wall chart. It includes a variety of activities so all students can find a challenge that suits their interests and ability level.

Calculators

Use calculators! For some reason, this tool is not one many students get to use frequently; however, it’s important students have a chance to practice using it in the classroom. After all, almost everyone has access to a calculator on their cell phones. There are also some standardized tests that allow students to use them, so it’s important for us to practice using calculators in the classroom. Plus, calculators can be fun learning tools all by themselves!

Three-Act Math Tasks

Use a three-act math task to engage students with a content-focused, real-world problem! These math tasks were created with math modeling in mind– students are presented with a scenario and then given clues and hints to help them solve the problem. There are several sites where you can find these awesome math tasks, including Dan Meyer’s Three-Act Math Tasks and Graham Fletcher’s 3-Acts Lessons . 

Getting the Most from Each of the Problem Solving Activities

When students participate in problem solving activities, it is important to ask guiding, not leading, questions. This provides students with the support necessary to move forward in their thinking and it provides teachers with a more in-depth understanding of student thinking. Selecting an initial question and then analyzing a student’s response tells teachers where to go next. 

Ready to jump in? Grab a free set of problem solving challenges like the ones pictured using the form below. 

Which of the problem solving activities will you try first? Respond in the comments below.

Shametria Routt Banks

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2 Responses

This is a very cool site. I hope it takes off and is well received by teachers. I work in mathematical problem solving and help prepare pre-service teachers in mathematics.

Thank you, Scott! Best wishes to you and your pre-service teachers this year!

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Privacy overview, grade level.

• Our Mission

How Students Can Rethink Problem Solving

Finding, shaping, and solving problems puts high school students in charge of their learning and bolsters critical-thinking skills.

As an educator for over 20 years, I’ve heard a lot about critical thinking , problem-solving , and inquiry and how they foster student engagement. However, I’ve also seen students draw a blank when they’re given a problem to solve. This happens when the problem is too vast for them to develop a solution or they don’t think the situation is problematic. 

As I’ve tried, failed, and tried again to engage my students in critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry, I’ve experienced greater engagement when I allow them to problem-find, problem-shape, and problem-solve. This shift in perspective has helped my students take direct ownership over their learning.

Encourage Students to Find the Problem 

When students ask a question that prompts their curiosity, it motivates them to seek out an answer. This answer often highlights a problem. 

For example, I gave my grade 11 students a list of topics to explore, and they signed up for a topic that they were interested in. From that, they had to develop a research question. This allowed them to narrow the topic down to what they were specifically curious about. 

Developing a research question initiated the research process. Students launched into reading information from reliable sources including Britannica , Newsela , and EBSCOhost . Through the reading process, they were able to access information so that they could attempt to find an answer to their question.

The nature of a good question is that there isn’t an “answer.” Instead, there are a variety of answers. This allowed students to feel safe in sharing their answers because they couldn’t be “wrong.” If they had reliable, peer-reviewed academic research to support their answer, they were “right.”

Shaping a Problem Makes Overcoming It More Feasible 

When students identify a problem, they’re compelled to do something about it; however, if the problem is too large, it can be overwhelming for them. When they’re overwhelmed, they might shut down and stop learning. For that reason, it’s important for them to shape the problem by taking on a piece they can handle.

To help guide students, provide a list of topics and allow them to choose one. In my experience, choosing their own topic prompts students’ curiosity—which drives them to persevere through a challenging task. Additionally, I have students maintain their scope at a school, regional, or national level. Keeping the focus away from an international scope allows them to filter down the number of results when they begin researching. Shaping the problem this way allowed students to address it in a manageable way.

Students Can Problem-Solve with Purpose

Once students identified a slice of a larger problem that they could manage, they started to read and think about it, collaborate together, and figure out how to solve it. To further support them in taking on a manageable piece of the problem, the parameters of the solution were that it had to be something they could implement immediately. For example, raising $3 million to build a shelter for those experiencing homelessness in the community isn’t something that students can do tomorrow. Focusing on a solution that could be implemented immediately made it easier for them to come up with viable options. 

With the problem shaped down to a manageable piece, students were better able to come up with a solution that would have a big impact. This problem-solving process also invites ingenuity and innovation because it allows teens to critically look at their day-to-day lives and experiences to consider what actions they could take to make a difference in the world. It prompts them to look at their world through a different lens.

When the conditions for inquiry are created by allowing students to problem-find, problem-shape and problem-solve, it allows students to do the following:

• Critically examine their world to identify problems that exist
• Feel empowered because they realize that they can be part of a solution
• Innovate by developing new solutions to old problems

Put it All Together to Promote Change

Here are two examples of what my grade 11 students came up with when tasked with examining the national news to problem-find, problem-shape, and problem-solve.

Topic: Indigenous Issues in Canada

Question: How are Indigenous peoples impacted by racism?

Problem-find: The continued racism against Indigenous peoples has led to the families of murdered women not attaining justice, Indigenous peoples not being able to gain employment, and Indigenous communities not being able to access basic necessities like healthcare and clean water.

Problem-shape: A lot of the issues that Indigenous peoples face require government intervention. What can high school teens do to combat these issues?

Problem-solve: Teens need to stop supporting professional sports teams that tokenize Indigenous peoples, and if they see a peer wearing something from such a sports team, we need to educate them about how the team’s logo perpetuates racism.

Topic: People With Disabilities in Canada

Question: What leads students with a hearing impairment to feel excluded?

Problem-find: Students with a hearing impairment struggle to engage with course texts like films and videos.

Problem-shape: A lot of the issues that students with a hearing impairment face in schools require teachers to take action. What can high school teens do to help their hearing-impaired peers feel included?

Problem-solve: When teens share a video on social media, they should turn the closed-captioning on, so that all students can consume the media being shared.

Once my students came up with solutions, they wanted to do something about it and use their voices to engage in global citizenship. This led them to create TikTok and Snapchat videos and Instagram posts that they shared and re-shared among their peer group. 

The learning that students engaged in led to their wanting to teach others—which allowed a greater number of students to learn. This whole process engendered conversations about our world and helped them realize that they aren’t powerless; they can do things to initiate change in areas that they’re interested in and passionate about. It allowed them to use their voices to educate others and promote change.

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Home » Blog » General » Fun and Engaging Pragmatic Skills Games for High School Students

Fun and Engaging Pragmatic Skills Games for High School Students

Are you a high school teacher or parent looking for ways to help your students develop their pragmatic skills? Pragmatic skills, also known as social communication skills, are essential for success in high school and beyond. These skills involve the ability to use language appropriately in social situations, understand nonverbal cues, and engage in effective communication with others.

In order to effectively develop these skills, it’s important to make the learning process fun and engaging. By incorporating games and activities into your high school curriculum, you can create an environment that promotes active participation and skill development. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using fun and engaging pragmatic skills games and provide you with some game ideas to get started.

Understanding Pragmatic Skills

Pragmatic skills refer to the ability to use language in a socially appropriate and effective manner. These skills include understanding and using nonverbal cues, taking turns in conversation, using appropriate tone and volume, and adapting communication style to different social situations. In a high school setting, these skills are crucial for building positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and succeeding academically.

High school students with well-developed pragmatic skills are more likely to excel in group projects, participate actively in class discussions, and navigate social interactions with confidence. On the other hand, students who struggle with pragmatic skills may experience difficulties in forming friendships, expressing their thoughts and ideas clearly, and understanding social expectations.

Benefits of Fun and Engaging Pragmatic Skills Games

Using fun and engaging games to develop pragmatic skills offers several benefits for high school students:

Increased Motivation and Engagement

Traditional teaching methods can sometimes be dry and uninspiring, leading to disengagement and lack of motivation among students. By incorporating games into your lessons, you can capture students’ attention and make learning enjoyable. Fun and engaging games provide a sense of novelty and excitement, which can increase students’ motivation to participate and learn.

Enhanced Learning and Retention

When students are actively engaged in a game, they are more likely to absorb and retain the information being taught. Games provide opportunities for hands-on practice and repetition, which are important for skill development. By incorporating pragmatic skills games into your curriculum, you can help students internalize and apply these skills in real-life situations.

Development of Social-Emotional Skills

Pragmatic skills games not only promote the development of communication skills but also foster the growth of social-emotional skills. Through games, students learn to work collaboratively, take turns, listen actively, and empathize with others. These skills are essential for building positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and developing emotional intelligence.

Now that we understand the benefits of using games to develop pragmatic skills, let’s explore some game ideas that you can incorporate into your high school curriculum:

Game 1: Role-Playing Scenarios

Role-playing scenarios provide an opportunity for students to practice and apply pragmatic skills in a safe and controlled environment. Divide students into pairs or small groups and assign them different scenarios to act out. For example, you can have students role-play a job interview, a conflict resolution situation, or a social gathering. Encourage students to use appropriate language, nonverbal cues, and problem-solving strategies in their role-play.

Game 2: Debate Club

Debate club is an excellent way to foster pragmatic skills such as persuasive speaking, active listening, and respectful disagreement. Organize regular debates on topics relevant to your curriculum or current events. Provide guidelines for constructive debate, such as taking turns, using evidence to support arguments, and respecting opposing viewpoints. Encourage students to engage in thoughtful and respectful discussions, while also practicing their pragmatic skills.

Game 3: Collaborative Storytelling

Collaborative storytelling is a creative and interactive way to promote pragmatic skills. Divide students into small groups and give each group a starting point for a story. Each student takes turns adding to the story, using appropriate language and nonverbal cues to build upon what others have said. This game encourages active listening, turn-taking, and cooperation.

Game 4: Problem-Solving Games

Problem-solving games provide an opportunity for students to practice pragmatic skills in a fun and challenging way. Choose games that require students to work together to solve a problem, such as escape room puzzles or mystery-solving activities. These games promote communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

Implementing Fun and Engaging Pragmatic Skills Games

Now that you have some game ideas, here are some tips for implementing them into your high school curriculum:

Tips for integrating these games into the high school curriculum:

• Identify specific learning objectives for each game and align them with your curriculum.
• Introduce the game as a fun and engaging activity that will help students develop their pragmatic skills.
• Provide clear instructions and expectations for the game.
• Allow time for practice and reflection after each game.
• Encourage students to provide feedback and share their experiences.

Importance of providing clear instructions and expectations:

When introducing a game, it’s important to provide clear instructions and expectations to ensure that students understand the purpose of the game and how to play. Clearly communicate the learning objectives and explain how the game relates to the development of pragmatic skills. This will help students stay focused and engaged throughout the game.

Strategies for creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment:

• Establish clear rules and expectations for behavior during games.
• Encourage students to listen actively and respect each other’s ideas.
• Promote a safe and non-judgmental environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.
• Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their experiences and share their thoughts and feelings.

Pragmatic skills are essential for success in high school and beyond. By incorporating fun and engaging games into your high school curriculum, you can create an environment that promotes the development of these skills. Role-playing scenarios, debate club, collaborative storytelling, and problem-solving games are just a few examples of the many games you can use to help your students develop their pragmatic skills.

So why wait? Start incorporating these fun and engaging games into your high school curriculum today and watch your students thrive! For more resources and game ideas, be sure to check out EverydaySpeech’s free trial. Start your EverydaySpeech free trial today and take your high school curriculum to the next level!

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It is always good to learn more about our brains and to exer­cise them! .

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3. Test your stress level

4. Guess: Are there more con­nec­tions in one human brain or leaves in the whole Amazon?

Challenge your cognitive abilities with these brain teaser games:

5.  Quick brain teasers to flex two key men­tal muscles

6. Count the Fs in this sentence

7.  Can you iden­tify Apple’s logo?

Visual illusions:

8.  Ten clas­sic opti­cal illu­sions  to trick your mind

9. What do you see?

10. Fun  Men­tal Rota­tion challenge

11.  What is going on with these pictures?

Language and logic mind teasers:

12. Which way is the bus head­ing ?

13. Where do words go?

14. Join this par­ty for polyglots

15.  Fun & Brainy Haikus . Yours?

A few visual workouts to challenge your mind:

16. Is a cir­cle a circle?

17. Less obvi­ous than it may appear

18. How many…

How’s your pattern recognition?

19. Proverbs to  exer­cise your mem­ory and reasoning

21. Good puz­zle for the whole brain:  The Blind Beggar

22. Find the  the Real­ly, Real­ly, Real­ly Big Number

Fun brain teasers for the workplace:

23. Please  con­sider Lin­da ’s job prospects

24. A few guessti­ma­tions  often used in con­sult­ing and tech interviews

25. How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?

What does it mean when you don’t see mov­ing circles?

I don’t know

Thanks for nothing

there is no car ?

they are not moving

then its the let­ter o

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Growth Tactics

50 Transformative Team Building Games for Students

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In a world that increasingly values collaboration, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving, fostering these skills in students has never been more important. Team building games serve as powerful tools to develop leadership, personal growth, and essential problem-solving skills.

Drawing from the rich experiences of Air Force leadership and applying a purpose-driven approach, this guide provides educators with detailed instructions and insights to help their students thrive.

Let’s talk team building. These exercises are not just about fun; they’re about cultivating the leaders of tomorrow and reinforcing the fabric of teamwork, communication, and leadership.

Here are 50 team-building activities designed to sharpen skills, foster unity, and highlight the individual strengths within your student groups.

1. Human Knot

Objective : Untangle to form a circle without letting go of hands.

How to Play :

• Gather all participants in a close circle.
• Each person reaches across the circle and grabs two different people’s hands. Make sure everyone is holding hands with two different people.
• The group must now work together to untangle into a single circle without ever breaking the hand-hold.

Leadership Insight : This exercise teaches patience and strategic communication. Leaders must learn to listen and value each team member’s input. In times of complexity, clear and calm communication often reveals the best path forward.

2. Minefield

Objective : Navigate a ‘minefield’ with verbal guidance.

• Set up an area with various obstacles scattered throughout.
• Pair participants, blindfold one person and have the other serve as the guide.
• The guide directs the blindfolded partner through the minefield using verbal instructions only.

Leadership Insight : This activity builds trust and clarity in communication. Effective leaders develop trust within their teams, ensuring each member feels confident in following their direction.

3. Tower of Cards

Objective : Build the tallest card tower in a limited time.

• Divide the participants into small teams.
• Provide each team with a deck of cards.
• Set a time limit and challenge teams to build the tallest tower possible.

Leadership Insight : Encourages creative problem-solving and teamwork. Leaders must inspire innovation and mutual effort to reach a collective goal, understanding that creativity often leads to the most effective solutions.

4. Escape Room Challenge

Objective : Solve puzzles to ‘escape’ within a time limit.

• Set up an escape room with various puzzles and challenges.
• Divide participants into teams.
• Teams work together to solve each puzzle and find the key to escape before time runs out.

Leadership Insight : Promotes critical thinking and collaboration. Leaders must foster environments where critical thinking thrives and team members feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to solve complex problems.

5. Pass the Hoop

Objective : Move a hula hoop around a circle without breaking the chain of hands.

• Form a circle and have participants hold hands.
• Place a hula hoop over one person’s arm.
• The group must pass the hoop all the way around the circle without letting go of each other’s hands.

Leadership Insight : Focuses on coordination and teamwork. True leadership ensures every individual’s contribution is seamless within the team framework, moving collectively towards success without breaking the chain of cooperation.

6. Blindfold Pictionary

Objective : Draw a designated object while blindfolded with team guidance.

• Split participants into teams.
• Blindfold one member of each team and provide them with drawing materials.
• The blindfolded person must draw an object based on their team’s verbal description alone.

Leadership Insight : Enhances communication and adaptability. Leaders learn to give clear instructions and adapt to miscommunications in real-time, ensuring their team can pivot effectively in any situation.

7. Trust Fall

Objective : Fall backward into the arms of your team.

• Line up participants in pairs or small groups.
• One person stands with their back to their team and falls backward, trusting the team to catch them.

Leadership Insight : Cultivates trust and unity. Leadership is about creating a foundation of strong alliances where team members feel secure and confident in each other’s support.

8. Two Truths and a Lie

Objective : Guess which statement is false.

• Have each participant share three statements about themselves – two truths and one lie.
• The other participants must guess which statement is the lie.

Leadership Insight : Encourages honesty and understanding within the team. Leaders must create environments that value transparency and personal connection to foster strong, authentic teams.

9. Balloon Pyramid

Objective : Create a pyramid using balloons.

• Provide each team with balloons and tape.
• Set a time limit and challenge teams to construct the tallest pyramid using balloons.

Leadership Insight : Highlights innovation and group effort. Leaders must harness the collective creativity of their team, nurturing an environment where each member’s innovative ideas contribute to achieving common goals.

10. Island Hopping

Objective : Cross an ‘island’ using limited stepping stones.

• Mark two points in an area to represent the start and finish.
• Provide a limited number of stepping stones (pieces of paper or mats) fewer than the participants.
• Teams must navigate from one point to the other using these stepping stones, ensuring no one touches the ground.

Leadership Insight : Strategic planning and resource management . Leaders must meticulously plan and manage resources, balancing risk and foresight to navigate their team through challenges effectively.

11. The Perfect Square

Objective: Form a perfect square while blindfolded.

How to Play:

• Have all team members stand in a circle, holding a piece of rope.
• Blindfold all participants.
• Instruct them to work together to form a perfect square with the rope while still blindfolded.
• Allow them to communicate freely, but they must not remove the blindfolds.

Leadership Insight: This exercise sharpens listening skills and underscores the importance of collaborative effort. In a task where sight is not an option, leaders must rely on clear communication and trust, reminiscent of coordinating complex operations in the Air Force.

12. Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Find all items on the list within a set time.

• Create a list of items to be found in the surrounding area.
• Divide participants into teams and distribute the lists.
• Set a time limit for completing the hunt.
• Each team must strategically divide tasks and communicate effectively to find all items on the list.

Leadership Insight: Effective teamwork and strategic division of tasks are essential. Just as in mission planning, the ability to execute a well-thought-out strategy ensures success.

13. Spider Web

Objective: Navigate a ‘spider web’ without touching the web.

• Create a ‘spider web’ using ropes tied between two fixed points.
• The web should have multiple openings of varying sizes.
• Team members must pass through the openings without touching the ropes.
• Each opening can be used only once.

Leadership Insight: This activity encourages innovative problem-solving and seamless teamwork, pivotal skills in overcoming unforeseen challenges in operations.

14. Balloon Tower

Objective: Build the tallest tower with balloons and tape.

• Provide each team with a set number of balloons and a roll of tape.
• Set a time limit for constructing the tower.
• Encourage teams to experiment with different designs to build the tallest and most stable structure possible.

Leadership Insight: Innovation and group cooperation are key. Just as in developmental projects, creativity combined with teamwork can lead to remarkable outcomes.

15. Puzzle Relay

Objective: Complete a puzzle as a team.

• Provide each team with a puzzle.
• Each team member must take turns running to a designated spot, adding a piece to the puzzle, and running back.
• Continue until the puzzle is complete.

Leadership Insight: Efficiently dividing tasks based on individual strengths greatly improves overall performance. This activity mirrors the importance of strategic delegation in successful mission execution.

16. Egg Drop Challenge

Objective: Create a structure to protect an egg from breaking when dropped.

• Give each team materials such as straws, tape, and paper.
• Teams must construct a protective casing for an egg.
• Drop the eggs from a predetermined height.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of each design based on whether the egg remains intact.

Leadership Insight: Encourages innovative thinking and teamwork, essential for overcoming constraints and achieving mission success under pressure.

17. Role Reversal

Objective: Switch roles within the team and tackle a given task.

• Assign a task that the team must complete.
• Before starting, have team members switch roles or responsibilities.
• Complete the task with the new role allocations.

Leadership Insight: Promotes empathy and understanding of the challenges associated with different roles, fostering a more cohesive and supportive team environment.

18. Team Skits

Objective: Create and perform a short skit that conveys a message.

• Provide a theme or message for the skits.
• Allow time for planning and rehearsing.
• Each team performs their skit in front of the group.

Leadership Insight: Fosters creativity and collaborative storytelling, crucial for effective communication and morale-building.

19. Marble Run

Objective: Build a track to get a marble from start to finish.

• Provide materials such as paper tubes, tape, and cardboard.
• Teams must design and build a functional track.
• Test the track by releasing a marble from the start to see if it reaches the end.

Leadership Insight: Encourages engineering skills and teamwork, emulating the careful planning and collaboration needed in tactical operations.

20. Chain Reaction

Objective: Design a series of actions that lead to a final event.

• Provide a variety of materials for creating moving parts (dominos, balls, strings, etc.).
• Teams must design and set up a chain reaction that leads to a specific end goal.
• Test the chain reaction to ensure all parts work together seamlessly.

Leadership Insight: Emphasizes the importance of understanding cause and effect in team efforts, parallel to the intricate planning and execution required in mission scenarios.

21. Team Charades

Objective: Guess the word or phrase acted out by a team member. Leadership Insight: Promotes quick thinking and non-verbal communication.

• Divide the group into teams.
• Each team selects a member to act out a word or phrase.
• The chosen actor is given the word or phrase (without speaking).
• Team members must guess the word or phrase within a set timeframe.
• Rotate actors per round until everyone has had a turn.

22. Balloon Bop

Objective: Keep the balloon in the air for the longest time. Leadership Insight: Encourages group coordination and focus.

• Form small teams or pairs.
• Each team is given a balloon.
• The goal is to keep the balloon in the air using only one tap per person.
• If the balloon touches the ground, that team is out.
• The team that keeps the balloon in play the longest wins.

23. Lava Flow

Objective: Cross a designated area using limited resources without touching the ground. Leadership Insight: Strategic planning and teamwork.

• Define the “lava” area using ropes or cones.
• Provide “stepping stones” (pieces of paper, cardboard) for each team.
• Teams strategically place and move the stones to cross the “lava.”
• Any team member touching the ground has to start over.
• The first team to successfully cross wins.

24. Silent Line-Up

Objective: Line up by a particular criterion (age, height) without speaking. Leadership Insight: Enhances non-verbal communication and teamwork.

• Communicate the criterion (age, height, etc.) to the group.
• Participants must use gestures to line up in the correct order.
• No speaking or verbal cues are allowed.
• Once in line, the order is checked for accuracy.

25. Reverse Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Find objects that represent a certain theme or concept. Leadership Insight: Promotes creativity and team synergy.

• Assign a theme or concept to each team.
• Teams search for objects that symbolize their assigned theme.
• Each team presents their findings and explains the connection.
• Creativity and relevance are evaluated for a winner.

26. Paper Plane Contest

Objective: Design and fly the best paper plane. Leadership Insight: Innovation and iterative problem-solving.

• Provide paper and basic materials for plane construction.
• Each participant designs and folds their plane.
• Planes are tested for distance and design effectiveness.
• The plane that flies the farthest or exhibits unique design wins.

27. Balloon Stomp

Objective: Pop the balloons tied to opponents’ ankles. Leadership Insight: Strategic movement and quick thinking.

• Tie balloons to each participant’s ankle.
• Participants try to pop others’ balloons while protecting their own.
• The last person with an intact balloon wins.

28. Capture the Flag

Objective: Capture the opposing team’s flag while protecting your own. Leadership Insight: Strategic planning and competitive teamwork.

• Divide the area into two zones and teams.
• Place a flag in each team’s zone.
• Teams attempt to capture the opposing flag while defending their own.
• The game ends when a flag is captured and brought back to the team’s home base.

29. Minefield with a Partner

Objective: Guide a blindfolded partner through a minefield. Leadership Insight: Enhances trust and precise communication.

• Set up a “minefield” with obstacles.
• One partner is blindfolded; the other provides verbal guidance.
• The blindfolded partner must navigate through the “minefield” without touching any obstacles.
• Trust and clear communication are critical for success.

30. Alphabet Game

Objective: Form letters of the alphabet using team members’ bodies. Leadership Insight: Promotes group coordination and creative problem-solving.

• Divide players into small teams.
• Assign letters of the alphabet to each team.
• Teams use their bodies to form the assigned letters.
• Creativity and accuracy are judged to determine the winners.

31. Word Search Race

Objective: Create and solve word searches as a team.

• Divide participants into small teams.
• Each team creates a word search puzzle for another team to solve, using an online word search generator or pen and paper.
• Exchange puzzles and race to see which team can solve the other’s word search the fastest.

Leadership Insight: This activity emphasizes critical thinking and teamwork. It’s not just about solving puzzles, but about listening to each other and dividing the problem into manageable parts, ensuring every team member’s strengths are leveraged.

32. Balloon Pop Relay

Objective: Pop balloons through various challenges in a relay format.

• Set up a relay course with different stations, each having a unique challenge (e.g., popping a balloon by sitting on it, using a dart, or stomping).
• Divide the group into teams and let each team member tackle one station at a time, passing a baton to the next member upon completion.

Leadership Insight: This encourages strategic task division and collaboration. Just like in the Air Force, knowing your team’s strengths and delegating tasks effectively is crucial.

33. Jigsaw Puzzle Race

Objective: Complete a jigsaw puzzle faster than the other team.

• Split into two or more teams and provide each with identical jigsaw puzzles.
• Start the timer and see which team can complete their puzzle first.

Leadership Insight: Success in this activity mirrors effective division of labor and problem-solving—keys to mission success in high-pressure environments.

34. Blind Obstacle Course

Objective: Navigate an obstacle course while blindfolded with team guidance.

• Set up an obstacle course.
• One team member is blindfolded and must navigate the course solely using the verbal instructions from their teammates.
• Rotate so every team member gets a turn either guiding or being guided.

Leadership Insight: Trust and communication are foundational in any mission. This activity builds both, simulating the reliance we place on one another in demanding situations.

35. Paper Tower Challenge

Objective: Build the tallest tower using only paper and tape.

• Provide teams with equal amounts of paper and tape.
• Set a time limit and let them build the tallest freestanding structure they can.

Leadership Insight: Creativity and innovative engineering are at the heart of problem-solving. This task encourages thinking outside the box and collaborative effort.

36. Pictionary Telephone

Objective: Pass a message down a line through drawings.

• Form teams and have individuals stand in a line.
• The first person is given a phrase to draw in a set amount of time.
• The drawing is passed down the line, with each subsequent person only drawing what they see.
• The last person in line guesses the original phrase.

Leadership Insight: Clarity in communication is vital. This exercise highlights how easily information can be misinterpreted, reinforcing the need for clear, concise communication.

37. Life Raft

Objective: Teams decide who to save using ethical debates.

• Present a scenario where the team must decide who gets a spot on a life raft with limited space.
• Each team member assumes a character with a backstory.
• Teams debate and decide which characters to save within a time limit.

Leadership Insight: Ethical decision-making and critical thinking are pivotal in leadership roles. This activity forces deep analysis and values-based decision-making.

38. Human Letters

Objective: Spell out words using only team members’ bodies.

• Give teams a list of words.
• Teams must spell out the words by arranging their bodies on the ground.
• Set a time limit for each word.

Leadership Insight: Coordination, creativity, and flexibility are crucial. This activity fosters innovative problem-solving and physical teamwork.

39. Water Balloon Toss

Objective: Toss a water balloon back and forth without breaking it.

• Pair up team members.
• Start close together and toss the water balloon gently.
• With each successful toss, take a step back.
• Continue until only one pair remains with their balloon intact.

Leadership Insight: Trust and careful coordination are key. This activity demands precise communication and careful execution, mirroring real-world scenarios where precision is critical.

40. Team Cooking

Objective: Prepare a simple dish together.

• Divide into teams and provide a set of ingredients.
• Each team must plan, prepare, and cook a dish within a certain timeframe.
• Dish presentations and tasting follow.

Leadership Insight: Leadership and task delegation based on individual strengths come to the forefront here. This is about blending skills and working harmoniously, akin to how a mission is executed.

41. Marshmallow Tower

Objective: Build the tallest tower using spaghetti and marshmallows.

• Start by dividing into small teams.
• Each team will receive uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows.
• The goal is simple yet challenging: construct the tallest freestanding tower within 15-20 minutes.

Leadership Insight: This exercise isn’t just child’s play; it’s a fundamental test of strategic planning and collaboration. It highlights how every individual’s input can impact the mission’s success, much like an Air Force operation where each role, no matter how small, is vital.

42. Obstacle Relay

Objective: Complete an obstacle course relay.

• Set up a series of obstacles.
• Split participants into teams and have them complete the course in a relay format, where each member tackles different obstacles.

Leadership Insight: This activity brings to life the essence of teamwork and physical coordination. It serves as a practical reminder that, in any mission, the collective effort and support for one another often dictate the outcome.

43. Mandala Making

Objective: Create a mandala pattern using natural elements.

• Provide an array of natural elements such as leaves, flowers, stones, and sticks.
• Teams will then collaboratively design and build symmetrical mandala patterns on the ground.

Leadership Insight: Creativity and respect for diverse ideas take center stage here. This is a brilliant opportunity to see how individual creativity can weave into a cohesive, beautiful vision, echoing the spirit of collective creativity seen in mission planning.

44. Story Chain

Objective: Craft a story with each team member contributing one line.

• Arrange participants in a circle.
• One person starts with a line of a story, and the next adds to it, progressing until the narrative feels complete.

Leadership Insight: The Story Chain fosters creativity and showcases the power of collaboration. It’s a testament to how each person’s contribution can build a narrative richer than any single voice.

45. Mystery Drawing

Objective: Draw an object without looking at the paper.

• Provide participants with paper and pencils
• Then challenge them to draw a familiar object without looking or lifting their pencil.

Leadership Insight: This activity embraces creativity and the beauty of imperfection, teaching that even flawed attempts can lead to insightful results. It’s a hands-on lesson in resilience and adaptability—traits essential for any leader.

46. Bucket Brigade

Objective: Transfer water from one bucket to another using cups.

• Set up two buckets per team, one filled with water and the other empty, some distance apart.
• Teams use cups to transfer the water, aiming to fill the empty bucket as quickly as possible.

Leadership Insight: This exercise enhances systematic teamwork and coordination, demonstrating the power of organized effort. Each team member’s role and efficiency are crucial, reinforcing the significance of every task in a mission’s success.

47. Bridge Building

Objective: Construct a bridge that can hold weight using limited materials.

• Provide materials like straws, tape, and paper clips.
• Challenge teams to build a bridge that can support a specified weight, such as a small book.

Leadership Insight: This task sharpens engineering skills and fosters innovative thinking. It illustrates how resourcefulness and teamwork can overcome constraints, yielding practical and efficient solutions.

48. Inclined Plane

Objective: Move an object using a series of inclined planes.

• Supply materials for constructing inclined planes, like cardboard or wooden pieces.
• Teams must design a series of planes that move an object, such as a marble, from start to finish.

Leadership Insight: This activity teaches principles of physics coupled with teamwork, mirroring how combining technical knowledge with collaborative effort can address complex challenges effectively.

49. Lifeline

Objective: Draw and share a ‘lifeline’ of significant personal events.

• Each participant draws a timeline illustrating key moments in their lives.
• They then share their ‘lifeline’ with the group.

Leadership Insight: This activity deepens understanding and empathy among team members. It highlights the importance of acknowledging and valuing each other’s personal journeys, fostering a stronger sense of team unity.

50. Reflective Circle

Objective: Reflect on and share personal strengths in a group setting.

• Form a circle.
• Each participant shares a personal strength and provides an example of its impact.

Leadership Insight: This simple yet profound exercise promotes self-awareness and group affirmation. Understanding and celebrating individual strengths within a team can drive extraordinary collective success.

Each activity is designed with a purpose, just like the roles each student plays in your classroom. Remember, the essence of team building is to not only tackle the immediate challenges but to instill lasting lessons about collaboration, trust, and personal contribution.

Every game is a flight drill, preparing your students for the bigger missions in life. Encourage them to lead with purpose and to value every member’s unique contribution. In the end, it’s the strong connections and understanding of each other’s strengths that create an unstoppable team.

Lead with heart and purpose.

Each of these team building activities offers a unique opportunity to develop the leadership, personal growth, and problem-solving skills that are indispensable in today’s world. They bring out the individuality in each student while teaching the value of teamwork and collective effort.

As you implement these activities, remember the importance of adapting them to fit your unique group dynamics and fostering a purpose-driven attitude in your students.

By equipping our future leaders with these essential skills, we not only prepare them for academic success but also empower them to take on the challenges of life with confidence and resilience.

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10 Problem Solving Activities for High School Students

Published on march 15, 2017 at 12:01 am by ethan jacobs in lists , news.

Why should we care about problem solving activities for high school students ?  What’s the fastest way to get to and from work? How can I complete a task more efficiently? What should I have for lunch today? No matter the size, scale, or ramifications, we all encounter scenarios every day that require the very best of our decision-making abilities. The approaches that we employ to solve these problems can be every bit as diverse as the problems themselves.

Sometimes we crowdsource, other times we decide using trial and error, and in a pinch, we solicit the unerring wisdom of Siri. What happens though, when there simply is no collection of experts to whom we can appeal and we’re devoid of the familiar technology that helps make our decisions for us? Computers do an excellent job of automating processes, but are incapable of the initial pattern recognition required to identify the most efficient solution available. What’s more, in a time crunch, trial and error won’t stand you in good stead; you’ll have to decide in an instant. This need for self-reliance in decision-making scenarios makes critical thinking, the ability to use facts, knowledge and data to successfully solve problems,​ absolutely indispensable. This is further reflected by the ​ recent trend​  of rapid growth in demand across industries that seek talent with considerable problem-solving abilities, as well as the increased use of problem solving activities ​in the workplace​ to continue employee development.

Marijus Auruskevicius/Shutterstock.com

In order to best set the next generation up for success in this regard, it’s critical to begin fostering these skills from an early age. Beginning in high school or earlier, problem solving enables students to apply what they’ve learned as opposed to merely recalling information that they have been spoonfed, equipping them with an arsenal of tools and approaches to tackle issues that may have previously seemed uni-dimensional. This ability, in turn, transforms the rigors of academic learning into that something that’s applicable at a professional level, simultaneously silencing the familiar “when will I ever use this?” chorus to which educators have become so accustomed. Whether carried out in individual or group settings, problem solving activities help students develop critical skills such as leadership, teamwork, creativity, persistence, and incremental improvement through repetition.

And if you are looking for more brain thinking activities we have a similar read –  10 Best Team Building Problem Solving Activities .

In addition to discovering new, useful techniques with which to tackle problems, students that are immersed in problem solving endeavors learn effective ways to present their findings once all is said and done, providing them with valuable written and oral skills in addition to those included in the aforementioned list. In short, when teachers​ present students with problems and task them with finding a solution, teachers can ensure that their students are prepared for challenges that they will encounter after graduation. We searched the web looking for the best problem solving games, and took the  recommendations from various sources, such as Concordia , and  Stanford  to name a few. Here is a list of 10 problem solving activities for high school students to help them sharpen their skills.

Slideshow List XFinance Survivor Scenarios Problem Lotto group activity Quarto critical thinking game amoeba problem solving activity activities to improve creativity Protto critical thinking exercise What can you do with this activity Group Therapy brainstorming exercise activities to improve teamwork skills Solution Bee critical thinking exercise Pulling Pockets problem solving activity Moral Dilemma critical thinking exercises Brainstorm Bonanza critical thinking activity 10 Best Team Building Problem Solving Activities brainstorming activities for high school students problem solving activities for high school students critical thinking exercises for high school students 10 Problem Solving Activities for High School Students activities to improve persistence in high school students Show more... Show less

7 Fun Mystery Activities For High Schoolers

Ahoy there, mystery enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the world of intrigue, riddles, and clues? If so, then you’re in for a treat! For high schoolers, mystery activities are a fantastic way to exercise the brain, challenge your problem-solving skills, and most importantly, have a blast! 

Whether you’re a budding detective, or just enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush out of solving mysteries, these mystery activities are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. At the same time, who doesn’t have the point of having some fun in the last years of school on their bucket lists ? So, let’s lace up our Sherlock Holmes boots, don our magnifying glasses, and get ready to crack some cases!

Enthralling mystery activities for high school students

Did you just indulge in a career exploration activity, and discover that all you wish to be in life is a detective, or have something to do with solving mysteries? Well, then here are a bunch of activities especially curated for you, to help you navigate through the adventures of mystery: 

1. Mysterious Artifacts

Get ready for a journey like no other as you embark on the ultimate quest for “The Mysterious Artefacts!” This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers to use their analytical skills, creativity, and curiosity to uncover the secrets of some of the world’s most fascinating relics.

Each student will be given an artifact to research and analyze, delving into its history, origins, and purpose. They will explore the artifact’s cultural significance, examine its intricate details, and search for hidden meanings and symbols. With the help of cutting-edge technology and research resources, students will be able to uncover the mysteries of their artifacts and uncover their place in history.

The Mysterious Artefacts activity is more than just a research project. It’s an adventure through time, a journey through history, and a quest for knowledge. Whether you’re a history buff, a puzzle-solver, or just looking for a challenge, this activity is guaranteed to engage, inspire, and amaze you. So gather your classmates, sharpen your minds, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

2. Mystery Book Club

Step into the world of mystery and intrigue with the “Mystery Book Club” experience! This activity is designed to bring high schoolers on a journey through the thrilling world of mystery novels and to challenge their critical thinking and deduction skills.

Students will start by reading a classic mystery novel, such as “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle. They will delve into the plot, characters, and themes, exploring the motivations and suspects, and discussing their theories and observations with their classmates.

It can also feature interactive simulations, virtual reality adventures, and live actors, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. So why not gather your book club, sharpen your minds, and get ready to solve the mystery of the century!

3. Cold Case Investigation

Uncover the truth and solve the mystery with the “Cold Case Investigation” experience! This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers to use their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to unravel the secrets of real-life cold cases.

Students will be presented with a real-life cold case, such as a missing person case, or an unsolved theft case. They will have access to a wealth of information and resources, including police reports, witness statements, and other evidence. Using this information, they will work together in teams to research and investigate the case, analyzing the facts and developing their own theories.

This experience is unlike any other, featuring interactive simulations, virtual reality adventures, and live actors, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. So why not gather your team, sharpen your skills, and get ready to solve the case of the century!

4. Mystery Guest Speaker

Gear up for a mystery-filled adventure with the “Mystery Guest Speaker” experience! This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers’ critical thinking and deduction skills in a unique and engaging way.

Invite a mysterious guest speaker to address the class, and let the guessing game begin! The guest speaker will arrive incognito, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and the students will be tasked with using their critical thinking and deduction skills to determine their identity and purpose.

As the guest speaker presents their talk, the students will be on high alert, analyzing their mannerisms, speech patterns, and background information. They will work together in teams, exchanging information and observations, and using their deduction skills to unravel the mystery.

5. Mystery Tour

Uncover the hidden secrets and legends of your school or community with the “Mystery Tour” experience! This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers to use their research, creativity, and communication skills in a unique and engaging way.

Students will plan and lead a mystery tour of their school or community, introducing visitors to the history, legends, and mysteries of the area. They will conduct research, gathering information and uncovering hidden gems and obscure facts about the location.

The students will use their creativity and communication skills to craft a captivating and educational experience, highlighting the hidden secrets and intriguing stories of the area. The tour will feature interactive simulations, virtual reality adventures, and live actors, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for the visitors.

The Mystery Tour is a great way for students to showcase their research and communication skills, as well as to engage with the community and share their knowledge of the area. So why not gather your classmates, sharpen your research skills, and get ready to take your visitors on a journey through the unknown!

6. Mystery Writing Workshop

Unleash your inner detective and put your creativity and imagination to the test with the “Mystery Story Writing” experience! This activity is designed to challenge high schoolers to develop their writing and storytelling skills in a unique and engaging way.

Each student will have the opportunity to write their own mystery story, complete with unique and interesting characters, settings, and plots. They will have the chance to let their imaginations run wild, and craft a captivating tale that will keep their peers on the edge of their seats.

After the stories are written, students will have the opportunity to share their work with the class for peer review and feedback. This is a great opportunity for students to receive constructive criticism and suggestions, as well as to get a sense of what works and what doesn’t in their stories. This activity is a fun and creative way for students to develop their writing and storytelling skills, and showcase their talents to their classmates. 

7. Secret Society Scavenger Hunt

Embark on an epic journey with the “Cryptic Scavenger Hunt” experience! This activity will challenge high schoolers to use their critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity skills in a thrilling and engaging way.

Students will be divided into teams and given a series of cryptic clues that lead them to different locations within the school. Each clue will test their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as they work together to uncover the next location. The final clue will lead them to the secret society meeting place, where they will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and teamwork skills.

This activity is a fun and creative way for students to work together, showcase their skills, and develop a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

So why not gather your team, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and get ready to embark on an epic journey through the halls of your school! The secret society meeting place awaits!

In conclusion, mystery activities are a truly exceptional way for high schoolers to flex their mental muscles, exercise their critical thinking skills, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Hence, these can be great life-skill activities too. Whether you’re a seasoned detective, a first-time problem solver, or simply looking for a new adventure, these mystery activities are guaranteed to provide hours of fun and excitement. From challenging escape rooms to captivating murder mysteries, there’s a mystery experience waiting for everyone.

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

Explore a plethora of invaluable resources and insights tailored for high schoolers at TheHighSchooler, under the guidance of Sananda Bhattacharya’s expertise. You can follow her on Linkedin

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